Topic: Black Glass / Gold Vases - D'Humy, IOW, Stuart Strathearn...

[lyndhurst44]

I agree Frank,
I have had a couple of the Iestyn Davies 005 pattern Ebony and Gold small vases in my possession over the years and they certainly seem to be very similar to the black vase in the picture, in both shape and size, but just like the aubergine vase, it is unsigned.


Bryn

[aa]

Hi Frank

Is the rim fire polished or cut?

The aubergine rim is polished, the black one is cut. :huh:

Bryn

Presumably the aubergine one has been fire-polished and the black one has had its rim ground down and polished, but it isn't clear whether this was done as a result of it being blown and cracked off, or whether because it has been repaired, which may be more likely. What about the bases?

[lyndhurst44]

The bases as requested

Bryn

[Frank]

All the Stuart Strathearn ones are mould blown and have a cut rim. It is the aubergine that is the puzzle.

[nigel benson]

Re: D'Humy,

Does anyone have any colour pictures of this glass in their libraries?

Yes, Colour Plate III from "Decorative Arts 1850 -1950, A Catalogue of the British Museum Collection" by Judy Rudoe, British Museum Press 1991 (revised 1994).

There is also a complete set of B/W photos of the D'Humy collection in addition to text discussing them.

I remember visiting the BM with the Glass Association many years ago, when, for me, the high-light was seeing these pieces in the reserve collection. The B/W pictures in particular do not do justice to them.

Whilst there is reference to him being a copiest, I would suggest that these pieces exhibit a fresh approach to the use of gold and/or silver foil to the past - just as with other later uses mentioned in this thread. In other words there is a progression in design, whether or not influenced by the predecessor(s).

By-the-by, don't forget the use of gold, and silver, foil as well as mica in early Harry Powell designed vessels.

Kind regards, Nigel