Topic: a pair of glass figurines

[suzie]

I have a pair of glass figurines. They are in clear glass and amber colour. They are of a man and woman in what I think is 16th cent. costume. They look like Murano.
 The receipt for them says they are Franco figures. They were bought in Scotland's Caithness glass shop in 1987.
Does anyone know who made them?
Thanks for any information.
(It won't let me download the picture)

[chopin-liszt]

Very probably the great maestro, Franco Toffolo. He was even working in Scotland during his "retirement" - one of those legendary makers who just could not stop or keep away from glassmaking. He used the facilities of John Deacons and Willie Manson, and in later years, his work could be found in the Strathearn Gallery in Crieff - where the Caithness visitor centre is now.
Mr Toffolo had worked at Caithness for some time, having come over from Italy.
Very sadly, He died quite recently, just last year, I think.
He'd had to give up making glass in the end and moved to Lytham St Annes, but there really was not very much time in his life when he was not working with glass. A very enthusiastic gentleman with an incredible skill and talent.


ooops, edited to add; Welcome to the gmb!

[suzie]

Thank you. for the information. Having now looked at something else he has done, I think you are right.

[chopin-liszt]

He had many styles throughout his life.  He was one of those who was so talented and experienced he could move with ease between intricate filigree and huge sculptures - and everything else inbetween. My claim to fame is I once saw him, running through the Strathearn Gallery.
I am the very proud owner of a beautiful somerso bowl he made in his retirement.

I really cannot think of any other "Franco" with a major Caithness connection, I know he did make intricate figurines, often in pairs.

[KevinH]

Franco Toffolo left Italy in 1965 and set up the "Venetian Glass Company" (at Blackpool, UK), which ran until c. 1980.

[chopin-liszt]

Thanks for adding a more complete history, Kev.
(I was just going by my somewhat sketchy memory.)
The Blackpool start in the uk may well have had some influence on his very final choice of place to live.

[chopin-liszt]

Suzie, if you click on the envelope under my username, you can send me a message from which I can email you. Then I can reply, and you can send me your photograph for resizing to put here.
I think we'd all really love to see your pieces.