Topic: Attenuated bottle vase with some opalescence. ID = Isle of Wight Studio Glass

[Anne E.B.]

Thanks John and Sue.  I'm thrilled that it is rare.
Would several of these experimental white colourway pieces have been made, or perhaps just one?  Which begs the question, why wasn't it (along with other trial/experimental colourways) produced wide scale?  What would have influenced the decision?
I have my own opinion as to why my white version might have only made it to the trial/experimental stage, as it only comes to life IMHO when placed in front of a darker background, where it looks stunning.  The white swirls become much less apparent when placed against a light background or back lit, and its quite delicate looking whereas Sue's 'Seaward' is a wonderfully vibrant colour.
I might have to paint a wall

[chopin-liszt]

I would imagine it was dependent on the fashion and what was selling at the time.
Early '70s into the '80s, browns were popular, so the range which came to be called Tortoiseshell at IoWSG (and was Earthtones at Mdina) was the one that sold most and was made the most, but there are not that many attenuated bottles.

Pink and blue swirls was an official range, but it is still very scarce, Seaward was an official range, but very short lived - it didn't sell as well as Tortoiseshell, so all of it is pretty scarce. Attenuated bottles are very thin on the ground. I have one, Gary (a serious collector who isn't a member here) has one, I remember him finding it, he was dancing around the fair in jubilation. I'm sure John has at least one. I've seen one other.
Aurene was a popular range, and is possibly the most commonly found design in attenuated bottles, but even they are still not common and make good money.

Plain pink, or plain blue swirls have been seen; there are a few (but probably under 10) of each "out there" which are known about.
We've not seen a white one before.

All early IoWSG attenuated bottles are fairly scarce and desirable. You've got yourself something seriously unusual within that.

We really don't know how many may have been made, Anne. But we really don't think it would have been many.
I'd risk saying they could probably be counted on fingers.
Everything was still quite experimental in the early days.

My Seaward is only vibrant in sunshine. Otherwise, it's a fairly dark thing.

[glassobsessed]

Which begs the question, why wasn't it (along with other trial/experimental colourways) produced wide scale?  What would have influenced the decision?

As Sue says, it was primarily down to what sold well, the second consideration was probably cost of production. If it was not well received at the time it would not have lasted long.

Lighting can make a huge difference Anne, try in different places or with a light underneath, there is a chance it may look good and it would save painting your living room black. 

[Anne E.B.]

Thanks for the info Sue
I'll keep it awhile and find the best spot for it without going all Goth (or what ever it is these days)

[chopin-liszt]

In contrast to your Goth suggestion, I'm imagining it with a cloud of gypsophola popping out of the top, next to a wedding cake all laid out on a white brocade cloth, with ribbons and other white, frilly table decor.
(Sometimes, strange images turn up in my head, uninvited.  )

[Carolyn Preston]

And the rest of the time they are there because you HAVE invited them? 

Carolyn

[chopin-liszt]

shhhhhh!

[Gowdod]

Here's a signed Michael Harris attenuated bottle, in solely pink, for comparison, a sister vase too. 

Kind regards

Andrew

[chopin-liszt]

 
That looks like a shorter one too - and you can see the lovely curve of the rounded base.

[Oxbridge Fairs]

We have a blue/white swirled one that is just under 23" tall.