Topic: Ludlow Cameo Crystal - more info needed, please

[chilternhills]

Hi Everybody,

I came across a cameo bowl made by K. L. Morris in 1985 of Ludlow Cameo Crystal Ltd that I have been offered to buy. I have not been able to find out much about K. L. Morris. He/She and the company hasn't come up on the forum before. And there is almost nothing on the web. I know that the company was based at Willow House, Oreton, near Kidderminster, UK, but the company no longer exists.

I found a picture of the same bowl here:

http://www.pc-cheats-codes.com/HUGE-LUDLOW-CAMEO-CRYSTAL-RUBY-GLASS-TABLE-CENTER-BOWL_140425266391.html

The bowl I am being offered apparently is not the same one as on the web page above, but it's the same design. That begs the question, though, if the bowl was hand carved by Morris, if Morris carved the same design more than once, or if it was mass produced somehow.

Any feedback you can give me is appreciated.

Best wishes,

Anton

[KevinH]

Looking at the actual eBay images (the ended listing is still currently showing - click here), the side view shows the detail quite well. I think this has been made a similar way to the Richardson (1920s+) and Webb (1930s) versions of the "Cameo Fleur" range. Although I do not know the precise method used, I suspect a standard stencil may have been applied to achieve an acid-etched pattern. There may have been some hand cutting for finishing.

If that is correct it would easily explain two (and probably many more) items with the same pattern.

[chilternhills]

Well, I bought the bowl. It seems the various web links in previous messages were of the one and same bowl. So it could be unique. It is a beautifully made piece. It looks hand made but I do not have enough experience with cameo glass to be certain. It is a surprise that little is known about K. L. Morris and Ludlow Cameo Crystal. It is very accomplished work. I attach a picture of the bowl to keep a reference on the forum.

[chilternhills]

Disaster has just struck! I was carrying the bowl wrapped in layers of bubblewrap in a bag on my way to Heathrow airport when somehow it was smashed to smithereens.  :cry:  :cry:  :thud:  :thud: To say I am gutted is an understatement. It was such a beautiful piece and possibly unique. I can't even claim on my insurance.

Anton

[pamela]

Anton, like me everyone here is obviously shocked and words are missing 

 :ghug:

[Carolyn Preston]

Deepest condolences are the loss of your bowl  :thud: 

Carolyn

[Anne]

Oh what a terrible loss, such a beautiful bowl. Does your insurance not have an all risks / out of house cover?