Topic: London Lampworkers

[Angela B]

One of the big queries I'm still trying to answer is "Who was Giovanni Pirelli?". I know the Pirelli tyre company was founded by a Giovanni B.Pirelli way back, but I'm pretty sure there is no connection between the Pirelli Glass company and the rubber company.
It has been suggested that Giovanni Pirelli was George Dunlop's idea of a joke (George = Giovanni; Dunlop= Pirelli)?  :24:
Or even that it was an alternate name that he used before he founded Pirelli Glass, so that he appeared to be Italian.
But maybe he was a real person. Does anybody know?

[SwingeyP]

Hello. I just thought i'd say hello to all. Bill Swingewood was my Great Grandad. Glass making has been in my family for several generations. Sadly I don't own any of his glass as yet. Its getting very expensive to buy. I do have a single photo of my great grandad working at the BFI on the lamp. It would be great to see it published if anyone is interested.

Regards - Paul

[chopin-liszt]

I recently found a tiny lampwork opalescent-point siamese cat - with a cranberry-flashed nose - it looks as if it belongs in the illustration of the Hill Houston catalogue on p.180 of Hajdamach.
I also have an Orplid bitton.
Will get pics.

[Anne]

Hi Paul, and welcome to the board. Angela will, I'm sure, be delighted to hear from you about your great grandfather. I'll let her know you've posted here.

[Mike M]

Hi Paul

fantastic to hear about your Grandfather

I you don't own any Billy Swingewood Lampwork then I've definitley sold some to one of you cousins/uncles recently

I'd love to see a photo of you grandfather at work

cheers

Mike