John Pomp Studios fuses hot, molten glass and forged metal into functional works of art that illuminate luxury homes, hotels and galleries. Each design looks as if it has sprung from an alien dream world, but blends effortlessly into modern interiors. If you’re looking for something memorable that goes beyond the usual decoration and don’t mind the high price tag, then read on.
History of the Brand
John Pomp discovered his passion for glassblowing in the 1990s at the Columbus University of Art and Design. He spent the next few years honing his craft in Brooklyn, combining his day jobs with nightly trips to the kilns. The city’s art scene fuelled his creative spirit, but skyrocketing rents and cramped studios limited his ambition. in 2008, he moved to Philadelphia, Instead of renting a typical workshop, he transformed a large warehouse into a combined living and production space. This hybrid arrangement helped him build a small but dedicated team of artisans who shared his passion for craftsmanship.
His wife Anne took care of the operational and financial management, allowing John to focus on design and experimentation. Over time, word of the brand spread. Collectors in search of unique pieces sought out John Pomp Studios. By 2012, the team had grown considerably, recruiting master metalworkers, experienced glassblowers and surface finishers who specialised in patinas and polishing. Rather than limiting himself to a particular aesthetic, John Pomp tested new shapes, textures and colours. This restless creativity led to articles in magazines and partnerships with showrooms in New York, Los Angeles and other design hotspots.
In 2020, the brand reached an important milestone when it upgraded its oven technology. It enables the production of oversized glass segments that further blur the line between lighting, furniture and sculpture. Giant chandeliers that previously only existed in sketches have now become reality. Long glass panels – the size of a car door — became eye-catching tables. Suddenly, the company was in a position to take on even the most ambitious orders. Of course, this leap also entailed risks, such as higher costs and more complex production logistics, but it also helped John Pomp Studios to gain a higher reputation among wealthy customers and design aficionados.
What John Pomp Studios Offers
John Pomp Studios organises its work into three main categories: Lighting, Furniture and smaller decorative objects. Each of these categories reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and organic forms.
Lighting
Lighting is the brand’s most visible (and arguably most fascinating) product line. On a tour of the studio, visitors see how the artisans blow, stretch and twist molten glass until it takes on a fluid, otherworldly form. The artisans then integrate elements made of brass, steel or bronze, which they hammer, weld or bend into intricate frames from which large clusters of glass can hang. One series consists of elongated spheres with matt or tinted surfaces, another of smoky tendrils reminiscent of cosmic dust.
The Celeste chandelier, for example, hangs a group of transparent spheres at different heights and creates a cosmic atmosphere in any room in which it is placed. The Rift Collection lights have jagged lines that mimic cracks in volcanic rock. Some of these chandeliers weigh hundreds of pounds, so the studio invests heavily in structural engineering and bespoke ceiling brackets. Clients often use these lights in entrance halls, stairwells or dining rooms, transforming these spaces into stunning art installations.
Furniture
John Pomp’s furniture follows the same artisanal approach, but focusses more on the interplay of glass, metal and sometimes wood. Tables, consoles and seating have strong silhouettes. You can see thick slabs of hand-blown glass resting on steel frames with hammered or patinated surfaces. The Rift dining table, a standout piece, has a rough, jagged glass top that evokes the violence of nature frozen in time.
In contrast to mass production, this furniture doesn’t come off the assembly line. Each table or console goes through several stages — sanding, grinding, polishing. This ensures that no two surfaces look the same. Weight is an important factor: some coffee tables weigh several hundred pounds. This weight requires special crates for transport and teams trained to handle them with special care. While the pieces have a certain industrial flair, they also exude a refined elegance because the brand pays so much attention to detail.
Decorative Objects
If you like John Pomp’s aesthetic but can’t commit to a $50,000 table, the studio also offers smaller decorative objects such as bowls, vessels and abstract sculptures. These pieces feature the same dreamlike shapes but are packaged in a more bite-sized way. Many of them are made of layered glass with swirling patterns or trapped air bubbles that reflect light in mesmerising ways. Those who buy these smaller creations usually place them on coffee tables, shelves or reception counters to create a talking point. Think of these objects as the brand’s “gateway drug” – they give you a taste of John Pomp’s handcrafted magic without having to take out a second mortgage.
Why They Stand Out
High-quality materials, artisanal processes and an unwavering commitment to artistic vision set John Pomp Studios apart from the competition. The brand uses borosilicate glass, which is known for its resistance to thermal shock. This type of glass withstands extreme temperature fluctuations better than traditional varieties and allows for thicker moulds without the same risk of cracking. The metal frames are made using a similarly rigorous process. Artisans forge or hammer brass, steel or bronze by hand in small batches. They apply patinas or polish the surfaces individually so that no two frames are the same.
This artisanal approach means you can trace each piece back to the person who moulded, welded or polished it. At a time when many luxury brands are outsourcing manufacturing or relying on automation, John Pomp Studios insists on small batch production. The result is consistent quality that is praised by interior designers, gallery curators and design publications. Architectural Digest (2021) praised John Pomp for “redefining handcrafted design on a large scale”, while Luxe Interiors + Design (2021) praised the company’s “ability to “blend organic modernism with industrial sharpness.” Many similar brands are either too big and lose their artisanal edge, or they remain so small that they never gain widespread recognition. John Pomp is somewhere in between: big enough to fulfil large orders and small enough to maintain tight control over quality.
The downside is that these products have a high price tag. Customers who want a magnificent chandelier can spend $30,000, $40,000 or more, and a massive dining table can cost over $50,000. Fans argue that you’re not just paying for the raw materials or the hype— surrounding the brand, but also for the considerable labour and creative process behind each piece. Others wonder if the brand’s growing reputation is driving up costs. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle: it’s about true craftsmanship plus a dash of “luxury aura”, that often comes at a premium. If this balance still gives the customer pleasure and status, they will pay for it. Those who are still undecided may wonder if they can justify such a price when there are cheaper artisan manufacturers. But few can match the grandeur and unmistakable design language of John Pomp.
What People Are Saying
The aesthetics of the studio are almost universally praised on social media. Customers and interior designers often post photos of finished installations on Instagram and tag @johnpomp. Captions such as “ethereal glow” and “timeless elegance” appear frequently. In showrooms, the brand is also advertised with the largest chandeliers or the thickest glass tables to impress potential customers. Business of Home (2020) shows how John Pomp is expanding its production while maintaining the unique hand-blown feel that has made the brand famous.
Behind the scenes, employee feedback offers a more complicated picture. On Indeed (2024), the studio receives an average rating of 3.0/5 based on about eight reviews. Experienced craftspeople praise the opportunity to hone their craft. Metalworkers learn niche finishing techniques, while glassblowers explore the limits of scale in a workshop. One reviewer said, “I’ve learnt more advanced techniques here in six months than I did in two years at my last company.” Another wrote: “It’s hot, intense work, but it never feels soulless.”
However, problems with management continuity and job security are a recurring theme. Some employees report seasonal layoffs or abrupt terminations when the order situation slows down. Others complain that salary increases do not match the studio’s high-end image or that communication with top management is irregular. One commenter on Indeed (2024) spoke of a “revolving door”, indicating a high turnover rate. Opinions differ on how to deal with downtime in the studio: some love the creative freedom, while others dislike the unpredictability. Posts on Glassdoor (2024) express similar concerns — solid technical training, but shaky long-term stability.
Customers generally don’t hear about these internal issues unless they read employee reviews or talk to employees directly. People focus more on lead times, shipping logistics and the quality of the final product. Since each piece is custom made, production can take months. Shipping large glass plates or huge chandeliers is also a headache. A single mistake during packaging or transport can lead to breakage. Some buyers report minor delays or last-minute rescheduling. Others don’t mind waiting if they get a real eye-catcher in return.
My Take
I appreciate John Pomp Studios for their commitment to pushing the boundaries of scale and craftsmanship. Many artisanal glass studios limit their ambitions to small vases or sculptural bowls. Here we see a brand that dares to transform an entire dining table or a house-sized chandelier into a canvas for fused glass. I find this fusion of design, technology and raw creativity really exciting.
Of course, the operational challenges are real. If you rely on seasonal labour or inconsistent staff, you risk lowering morale or creating knowledge gaps that can affect production quality. I would like to see the brand find a more sustainable staffing model. However, for customers looking for a real highlight, John Pomp is one of the best brands on the market. You pay a higher price, but you get something that feels alive and has a story behind every swirl or hammered texture.
I also appreciate that the studio does everything themselves, from the kiln work to forging the metal. Many ‘luxury’ lines outsource certain steps, which can dilute the end result. Here, the synergy feels real. You feel like the glassblowers, metalworkers and finishers are communicating in a shared space and collaborating in real time on each piece. This allows you to maintain consistency even with large individual pieces.
Final Verdict
John Pomp Studios caters to design lovers who crave original, conversation-starting pieces. If you can put up with higher prices and a longer wait, you get functional art that is vibrant and distinctive. This brand is suitable for upscale homeowners, hoteliers and businesses who want to impress their visitors from the moment they arrive. If you value authentic craftsmanship and aren’t put off by the quirks in service, John Pomp delivers something extraordinary.
Nick Oscar
