Topic: Caithness Samarkand Glass .

[standrew]

I wonder if anyone is able to provide me with any if oration regarding this type of glassware produced by Caithness. I am specifically  interested in when it was produced, who was responsible for the designs and what did the range consist of. I have searched the excellent  Scotlands Glass site but with the exception of a perfume bottle l seem to have missed ref. to this type of glass. With sincere thanks in advance for any help given and kind regards.

[glassobsessed]

Mark Hill's book is as good a single source as you will find at present, no book is ever entirely comprehensive of course. Still available from his website here:
https://markhillpublishing.com/product/caithness-glass-loch-heather-peat/

It costs 20 quid new, do not make the mistake of going to Amazon where you will find second hand copies for 65 and new for 495. Those sellers presumably have little but contempt for buyers...

John

[chopin-liszt]

Info. on Samarkand is on p.68.
It was designed by Colin Terris and Franco Toffolo in late '93. Made in '94 only.
The range consisted of a bottle vase, a bowl, a plate and a footed bowl, (which is illustrated in the book). It was expensive, each piece cost £99 and it didn't sell well.
It isn't one I've seen around. 
I'd have noticed it if I had. 

[standrew]

Thank you much appreciated

[chopin-liszt]

In the book, a large footed bowl is illustrated. It says it was most likely Franco Toffolo's work.
I want it!
I've got a bit of a thing about Mr. Toffolo, who sadly, died a couple of years ago. One of the true greats in glassmaking, somebody who pushed the material to its limits and then some. 
He continued working long after he retired, he just couldn't help himself. I saw him once, running through a gallery just after he'd delivered some work. I suspect he was just keen to get back to working with glass as opposed to disposing of the stuff he'd finished. 

[standrew]

Thank you also for your kind reflections he was obviously  a highly talented  and creative individual.

[chopin-liszt]

I do have a beautiful piece he made during his "retirement".
It was a thrill to see such a famous maker, even just in the passing.
He didn't see me.