The National Glass Collectors Fair
Glass News
This section of the National Glass Collectors Fair website will keep you up to date about glass-related news items. This includes information about forthcoming museum exhibitions, lectures and seminars, as well as important sales at major auction houses.
New Glass Archive Article: The Rise of 20th Century British Glass
15 November 2009 National Glass Fair Report
20th Century British Glass by Charles R. Hajdamach
A Memorial to Dan Klein
Broadfield House Glass Museum Saved!
New Glass Archive Article: Pass The Sugar Basin!
Michael Harris & The Story Of Mdina
News Updates
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The Rise of 20th Century British Glass
New Glass Archive Article by Nigel Benson.
The latest addition to our Glass Archive is an interesting article that details the rise in popularity of 20th century British glass amongst glass collectors.
The article also looks at some of the most influential glass companies and designers from this period: including Monart, Gray-Stan, James Powell, Stuart & Sons, Thomas Webb, Webb Corbett and Stevens & Williams, Keith Murray and Clyne Farquharson.
Click Here to read the article.
15 November 2009 National Glass Fair Report
Exhibitors pulled out all of the stops in order to make the latest National Glass Fair a success and as a result visitors to the fair were treated to a spectacular variety of glass. Collectors were spoilt for choice when it came to exhibitors selling quality antique and collectable glass from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. In addition some of the UK's leading contemporary glass artists were in attendance and exhibited some truly exceptional examples of modern studio glass.
If you were unable to attend the fair, or you would like to relive the experience, you may find the following video of interest.
The video was was filmed by Tony Wigg and documents his visit to the National Glass Fair. The film provides a slightly different perspective on the fair: featuring behind the scenes footage of dealers arriving at the fair and the transformation of the venue as it filled up with glass.
For the majority of exhibitors taking part, dealing in glass is not simply a job but a passion that has taken over their lives. Consequently the fair is supported by many respected and knowledgeable exhibitors, who have become reputable specialists in their chosen fields. Many exhibitors are even prepared to save their best stock for this event and below you will find details of some of the more desirable items that turned heads at the National Glass Fair.
17th & 18th Century Highlights
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| 'Fitzwilliam' Tazza. Offered for sale by Peter Adamson. |
Collectors of 17th and 18th glassware were treated to the usual array of rare and unusual glassware. Of particular significance was a highly desirable tazza that was been tracked down by Peter Adamso. The 'Fitzwilliam' tazza was originally discovered by Barrington Haynes in 1948 (along with 8 other examples) in Wentworth Woodhouse Hall. The tazzas most probably came from the Buckingham Glass house in Greenwich and had been in Wentworth Woodhouse since the mid 1600s. This particular example (right) is only the second tazza from the collection to surface since 1948; another example was illustrated in the Glass Circle publication 'Strange and Rare' 1987.
If you visit our In Focus Archive you can read more about the history behind the 'Fitzwilliam' tazza and the circumstances surrounding its discovery.
19th Century Highlights
The standard of 19th century decorative glass was extremely high and exhibitors such as Andrew Lineham brought along a diverse range of museum-quality items. Highlights included stunning cameo scent bottles, rare and unusual pressed glass by Percival and Vickers and enamelled glass that showcased the talents of renowned |
| Fritz Heckert vase. Offered for sale by John Stallebrass. |
20th Century & Contemporary Glass Highlights
The range of 20th century glass available at the fair is almost overwhelming. Every period, style and major manufacturer was covered: including Art Deco and Art Nouveau glass, Italian and Scandinavian Art glass, as well as early examples of studio glass by the likes of Mdina.
Choosing one or two pieces to highlight is practically an impossible task and collectors should really visit our Preview Gallery in order to appreciate the variety of glass that was on display.
The variety and quality of glass on offer was in no small part due to the dedication of specialist dealers like Mike & Debby Moir. Included amongst the numerous gems they brought with them were iconic designs by Baccarat (see image below), Lalique, Kralik, Daum and Marcel Goupy.
Contemporary glass was also well represented at the fair by specialist dealers who have a real eye for quality. Stunning examples of contemporary studio glass were also available to buy directly from gifted glass artists like Jonathan Harris, Nikki Williams, Vic Bamforth and Helen Millard.
Book Launch: 20th Century British Glass
In addition to the vast array of glass on offer at this fair, Charles Hajdamach was in attendance to promote the launch of his latest glass reference book: "20th Century |
Baccarat: Glass tiger designed by Georges Chevalier (Circa 1925). Offered for sale by Mike & Debby Moir. |
More Information
There isn't enough space to mention all of the fine examples of glass that exhibitors brought along to the National Glass Fair. However, if you were unable to attend the fair you can visit our Preview Gallery and view more than 200 items of glass that were offered for sale last November.
We look forward to seeing you at the next National Glass Fair, which takes place on Sunday 9 May 2010.
20th Century British Glass by Charles R. Hajdamach
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| 20th Century British Glass by Charles R. Hajdamach |
In addition to the vast array of glass available at our last glass fair, Charles Hajdamach was in attendance to promote the launch of what promises to be the most comprehensive guide to 20th century British glass.
The
book covers everything from Art Nouveau and Art Deco
masterpieces through to engraved glass, cameo glass, paperweights and even the now much ignored Pyrex ovenware.
Chapters focus on the effects of both World Wars and there are special features looking at significant designers such as Keith Murray.
Major exhibitions, including The Festival of Britain (1951), are
fully discussed and biographical sections look at post-war designers,
including Geoffrey Baxter, Ronald Stennett-Willson and Frank
Thrower.
Armed with this book the beginner, the collector, the
museum curator, the designer and the social historian will have an
indispensable and complete guide to a fascinating period of British
glass making. Budding new collectors of 20th century glass will also find the book extremely helpful, as it will help them to easily spot important pieces of glass that might be found at antique fairs and in
charity shops.
20th Century British Glass (ISBN: 1851495878 ) is illustrated with over 900 superb photographs, including previously unpublished catalogues and images from important public and private collections.
Charles' book is available for sale at Broadfield House Glass Museum, as well as various high street and online shops: RRP £49.50
You can also read more about Charles Hajdamach and his previous publications on his Website: www.hajdamach.com
A Memorial to Dan Klein
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| Dan Klein: 1938 - 2009 |
With the sudden and sad death of Dan, the glass world has lost its most distinguished proponent and strongest advocate. His influence has touched every glass maker, curator, gallery owner, collector and enthusiast around the world. His passion for glass has inspired us all; he was the most knowledgeable, generous, encouraging and kind mentor.
In 1995 Dan played a key role in the founding of North Lands Creative Glass at Lybster in the north of Scotland and at his death was a Director of North Lands and the Chairman of its Advisory Board. It has been decided to establish a fund in Dan's memory to develop the work of North Lands both in education and in the provision of further state-of-the-art studio space.
Leaflets to make a donation can be collected on admission to the next National Glass Collectors Fair, which takes place on Sunday the 15th of November 2009.
Broadfield House Saved!
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| Broadfield House Glass Museum. Image courtesy of The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum |
After months of persistent campaigning, Dudley Council has been forced to scrap plans to close Broadfield House Glass Museum and relocate its collections and archives.
The campaign to save the museum was supported by people in more than 50 countries who signed an online petition (more than 2,400 people signed the petition calling for the museum to be kept open).
Campaigners are now focusing on calls for a National Glass Museum to be set up in the Stourbridge area.
Please follow the below Links to read the full story behind the Council's decision.
www.birminghammail.net/campaigners-win-broadfield-fight
www.birminghammail.net/campaign-hails-museum-victory
www.bbc.co.uk/broadfield_house_feature.shtml
Pass The Sugar Basin!
New Glass Archive Article by James S. Measell.
The latest addition to our Glass Archive is an interesting article about collecting 'milk glass' sugars and creamers.
The author, James S. Measell, is a historian at the Fenton Art Glass Company in Williamstown, West Virginia, USA. He and his wife Brenda have enjoyed several recent visits to England and are looking forward to attending the National Glass Collectors Fair in May 2010.
Click Here to read the article.
Michael Harris & The Story Of Mdina
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| Mdina Fish Vase by Michael Harris. |
New Glass Archive Article by Ron Wheeler.
If you are interested in learning more about Michael Harris and Mdina Glass, you will find this article by Ron Wheeler to be extremely informative. The article documents how Michael Harris first became interested in Studio Glass at the Royal College of Art, and how his ambitions motivated him to establish a glass works in Malta (Mdina Glass).
The article was written by Ron Wheeler, who was one of the first two freelance reps working with Michael Harris 25 years ago. Ron Wheeler (Artius Glass) is also a regular exhibitor at the National Glass Collectors Fair.
Click Here to read the article.
