Topic: Heavy vase with prunts, Czech/Hospodka ID prob Koudelka for Prachen

[glassobsessed]

Bought this today, the seller insisted that he had identified it as Scottish and by a maker called Munroe (not sure of spelling). I thought it looked Czech and probably by Josef Hospodka. Anyway, it is tall (22cm) and heavy with a polished base, body in pale green and prunts in blue.

Can anyone confirm it's origins?

Thanks, John.

[johnphilip]

The prunts look very much like the ones in Mark Hills book - Hodspoka . :huh: imho

[glassobsessed]

Thanks Johnphillip, I could not find any references to a Scottish glass maker called Munroe. As soon as I saw the vase I thought of Mr Hospodka but I do not think I have seen this particular design before. Sadly not Uranium glass but it does looks fantastic on my windowsill, definitely one to keep.

John

[Jindra8526]

I have no evidence that this piece is Czechoslovakian and had been designed by Hospodka. I would rather omit this attribution.
Jindrich

[ckscot]

There is a Scottish glass maker named Helen MONRO born 1930, in Ivo's Glass Fact File book.  I don't know anything about her work,  but she might be related to the Helen Monro Turner who is listed in Frank's Scotland's Glass site? 
Good hunting wherever it takes you, Iain

PS. it's a nice piece of glass whoever made it.

[glassobsessed]

Jindrich, Iain, thank you, I will have to do some more research on this one, maybe if I am lucky I will see one soon with a maker's label on it.

John

[glassobsessed]

This latest bit of 'research' did not take long, in this thread http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,5109.0.html there is a vase with prunts which are of the same design as the prunts on this vase. Central bump enclosed by a ring with twelve dots around the outside.
Jindrich proposes that the other vase could be designed by Frantisek Koudelka for the Prachen Glassworks. The similar prunts lead me to assume that this is from the same glassworks and probably the same designer.
Not a definite, but progress.

John

[nigel benson]

Briefly, Helen Monro married Professor W.E. Turner and took the name Monro-Turner. She was an engraver, both on glass and of pictures and designed cut pieces for Edinburgh Crystal before leaving and starting the glass department at Edinburgh College of Art. Most of her known glass work is clear. She was highly influential on British glass design. She also ran the Jupiter Studio with John Laurie. I think it is therefore highly unlikely that your vase has anything to do with her.

I've not checked the detail, so if my memory has let me down, I'm sure someone out there will correct me

I too thought Hospodka, as a result of the King's Lynn exhibition "Hi Sklo Lo Sklo" last year, and Mark Hill's book. The possible fresh attribution is very interesting. I look forward to seeing more information as you get it John.

Nigel

[glassobsessed]

Thank you for the info Nigel, my 'research wheels' may grind slowly but hopefully they don't stop.

I have come to really like this vase, the (distinctive) pale green colour looks great in sunshine.

John

[glassobsessed]

Saw this one today, sadly it had a giant crack in the glass.

John