The Tiffany Girls - by Shelley Noble (Paperback)

About the Book

"It's 1899, and Manhattan is abuzz. Louis Comfort Tiffany, famous for his stained-glass windows, is planning a unique installation at the Paris World's Fair, the largest in history. At their fifth-floor studio on Fourth Avenue, the artists of the Women's Division of the Tiffany Glass Company are already working longer shifts to finish the pieces that Tiffany hopes will prove that he is the world's finest artist in glass. Known as the "Tiffany Girls," these women are responsible for much of the design and construction of Tiffany's extraordinary glassworks, but none receive credit. Emilie Pascal, daughter of an art forger, has been shunned in Paris art circles after the unmasking of her abusive father. Wanting nothing more than a chance to start a new life, she forges a letter of recommendation in hopes of fulfilling her destiny as an artist in the one place where she will finally be free to live her own life. Grace Griffith is the best copyist in the studio, spending her days cutting glass into floral borders for Tiffany's religious stained-glass windows. But none of her coworkers know her secret: she is living a double life as a political cartoonist under the pseudonym of G.L. Griffith, hiding her identity as a woman. As manager of the women's division, Clara Driscoll is responsible for keeping everything on schedule and within budget. But in the lead-up to the most important exhibition of her career, not only are her girls becoming increasingly difficult to wrangle, she finds herself obsessed with a new design: a dragonfly lamp that she has no idea will one day become Tiffany's signature piece."--

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble wows with a gripping historical novel about the real-life "Tiffany Girls," a fascinating and largely unknown group of women artists behind Tiffany's most legendary glassworks.

It's 1899, and Gilded Age Manhattan is abuzz. Louis Comfort Tiffany, famous for his stained-glass windows, is planning a unique installation at the Paris World's Fair, the largest in history. At their fifth-floor studio on Fourth Avenue, the artists of the Women's Division of the Tiffany Glass Company are already working longer shifts to finish the pieces that Tiffany hopes will prove that he is the world's finest artist in Tiffany glass. Known as the "Tiffany Girls," these women are responsible for much of the design and construction of Tiffany's extraordinary glassworks, but none receive credit.

Emilie Pascal, daughter of an art forger, has been shunned in Paris art circles after the unmasking of her abusive father. Wanting nothing more than a chance to start a new life, she forges a letter of recommendation in hopes of fulfilling her destiny as an artist in the one place where she will finally be free to live her own life.

Grace Griffith is the best copyist in the studio, spending her days cutting glass into floral borders for Tiffany's religious stained-glass windows. But none of her coworkers know her secret: she is living a double life as a political cartoonist under the pseudonym of G.L. Griffith--hiding her secret identity as a woman.

As manager of the women's division, Clara Driscoll is responsible for keeping everything on schedule and within budget. But in the lead-up to the most important exhibition of her career, not only are her girls becoming increasingly difficult to wrangle, she finds herself obsessed with a new design: a dragonfly lamp that she has no idea will one day become Tiffany's signature piece.

Brought together by chance, driven by their desire to be artists in one of the only ways acceptable for women in their time, these "Tiffany Girls" will break the glass ceiling of their era and for working women to come.

This compelling Gilded Age historical fiction novel set in New York City is a perfect gift for any woman interested in art, history, or strong women breaking the glass ceiling of their era.

In an era that denies them credit, three fiercely talented women will come together to create some of the most iconic art of the Gilded Age, each hiding a secret that could cost them everything.

Review Quotes

A fascinating look into the art world, and the working conditions of women, at the dawn of the 20th century. A sweeping cast of characters, comprised of both historical figures and fictional ones alike, brings the high-stakes word of the Tiffany Glass Works to life in vivid detail. Through tragedy and triumph, readers will find themselves rooting for these women as they face their personal challenges and the mounting pressure as Tiffany Glass Works prepares for a major display at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Richly researched, and utterly captivating, a must-read for fans of turn-of-the-century historical fiction. - Aimie K. Runyan, bestselling author of The School for German Brides and A Bakery in Paris

TIFFANY GIRLS is an engaging story filled with unforgettable characters as incandescent as the iconic Tiffany stained-glass designs they helped create. Brimming with passion and reverence for the artistic mastery of the Tiffany style, Shelley Noble's excellent storytelling presents a portrait of turn-of-the-century New York City and Paris that illustrates the dedication and determination of women to gain recognition for their contributions within the art world and take control of their lives. A must read! - Monica Chenault Kilgore, Author of Long Gone, Come Home

A fascinating look into the lives of the women employed at the Tiffany Glass Company studio in New York City, as they work toward the final showing of their projects at the exposition in Paris. Noble brings the late 19th century alive in her story of these young women from various walks of life who work and live together as they forge their own artistic paths while supporting each other through the ups and downs. An inspiring friendship tale of talented female artists, and their search for independence in a world that wasn't too keen on female autonomy - Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of STARRING ADELE ASTAIRE

"This story is beautifully written, and as rich, colourful, and breathtaking as Tiffany glass" - Lecia Cornwall, Author of That Summer in Berlin

"I honestly cannot think of anything the author could have done to improve this novel. Highly recommended." - Historical Novel Society

A historical fiction of bold new beginnings and the creative courage of three women artists who forged their careers at Tiffany's glassworks. - Tessa Arlen, USA Today bestselling author of In Royal Service to the Queen

"Best-selling Noble... transforms the mundane lives of a group of working women into an engrossing and fascinating story that brings the magic of Tiffany Glass to life." - Booklist

"The Tiffany Girls is a richly detailed and impeccably researched story of art and friendship. Shelley Noble has crafted an intimate view of the professional and personal lives of the incredible women who brought Tiffany glass to life. A beautiful novel!" - Chanel Cleeton, New York Times Bestselling author of The Cuban Heiress

Rich with finely-wrought detail, The Tiffany Girls is the moving, little-known story of the women who worked as artists making glorious glassworks for Tiffany, their struggles, heartaches, and triumphs. Not to be missed! - Christine Wells, author of One Woman's War

The Tiffany Girls sparkles with as much light, hope, and wonder as Mr. Tiffany's stained-glass creations. - Kaia Alderson, author of SISTERS IN ARMS

Under Noble's deft hand, Grace, Clara, and Emilie come vividly to life in turn of the century New York City in her new novel, THE TIFFANY GIRLS. I couldn't help but root for the trio of heroines as they strived to become artists in their own right through their work for Louis Comfort Tiffany, renowned master of stained glass. Readers will revel in the fascinating and lavish details, and never look at a Tiffany lamp the same way again. An immersive, wonderful read! - Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Strangers in the Night