Glass Message Board

Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => British & Irish Glass => Topic started by: Paul S. on May 23, 2011, 07:57:05 PM

Title: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Paul S. on May 23, 2011, 07:57:05 PM
Naturally, with my passion for Webb, I just couldn't leave this behind.     Although I can't find an exact illustration/picture of this particular design - according to Andy MacConnell's/Millers guide - which is as close as I can get, this sort of pattern is described simply as 'optic moulding'.    I think it must simply be green uranium glass, and I'm assuming it's not eau-de-nil from the Gay glass range.        I wonder if it was the source of the Borske factory's idea for the 'large olives' pattern :)    I don't know whether it was Richardson or Webb who first started this multi-optic pattern - but having examples of both, I think that Richardson produced the higher quality looking pieces.    Apparently, Webb swallowed up Richardson around 1930, but contined to knock out material with this type of patterning although carrying the Richardson back stamp.  Does anyone know if this particular optic-moulding had its own name?
P.S.  Am I right in saying that the images of Webb's material, on David Encell's site, have disappeared  -  or am I just not doing something right?
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Paul S. on May 23, 2011, 07:57:49 PM
should have added the height, which is 7.25"
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: keith on May 23, 2011, 11:56:33 PM
 :o :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Paul S. on May 24, 2011, 07:51:15 AM
thanks Keith  -  thought you might turn green. ;D    Presumably not a common mould pattern - as this is the first I have seen.
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: David E on May 24, 2011, 07:58:20 AM
P.S.  Am I right in saying that the images of Webb's material, on David Encill's site, have disappeared  -  or am I just not doing something right?
www.glassyeye.com is what you mean, Paul? Seems like the site didn't synchronise properly during my last update and some images went AWOL. I've just refreshed the pages and all images that were there before should now be in place. One day I'll get round to adding more to that site. So much to do, so little time, time, time... to do it in
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: David E on May 24, 2011, 08:00:31 AM
Meant to say that I also have one in that pattern and size, but mine is without a mark so it's nice to see it confirmed definitely as Webb (although possibly made at Richardson's?). I always wanted a matching pair...  :angel: ;D
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Paul S. on May 24, 2011, 09:12:18 AM
sincere apologies David - unforgivable to misspell your name  -  it's not as though I haven't seen it many time before :-[      Yes, it was the 'glassyeye' site that I had in mind, and unfortunate that you have experienced some problems  -  although glad to hear all seems o.k. again.        With your collection and knowledge, would you consider producing a budget publication purely on Webb or maybe Webb/Richardson  -  or alternatively might you consider including a far greater range of pieces on the webb site?? (no pun intended).       Regret to say that wild horses could not remove this piece from my possession  -  many other things I might part with - but not this, so you will have to live with a single example for the time being.   thanks again :)
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Lustrousstone on May 24, 2011, 09:15:34 PM
David has far too many other books (two of his own just for a start) in progress to finish before he can start on the Webb one LOL
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Paul S. on May 25, 2011, 08:37:16 AM
I should have looked in the Barrie Skelcher books first. :pb:   I now see that he includes one example - (in each of the books below) - of what appears to be an identical optically moulded pattern, to my bowl (yet more different shapes) - although he states that both of his examples are marked with the 'Richardson British' backstamp.   We know that Webb continued to make these pieces after their take-over of Richardson, also that they continued to use the Richardson name on some pieces after that date.        Due to various attributes of one of HIS pieces, this author expresses his opinion that the manufacturing date was prior to the take-over.           Therefore, does this imply that the original moulds for all these optically moulded pieces had their origin at Richardson, or that both companies were making similar patterned items independently, prior to 1930 ish.?
Refs.   'The Big Book of Vaseline Glass'.......and.....'Vaseline Glassware - Fascinating Flourescent Beauty.  -     Bary Skelcher   - Schiffer.     
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: David E on May 25, 2011, 12:41:18 PM
With your collection and knowledge, would you consider producing a budget publication purely on Webb or maybe Webb/Richardson  -  or alternatively might you consider including a far greater range of pieces on the webb site?? (no pun intended).

As Christine points out, I do have quite a few titles to consider: two of my own (Chance Additions; Chance Reflections), plus:
1. Shirley Hibberd: The Father Of Amateur Gardening, by Anne Wilkinson (due in Autumn 2011)
2. Glasses in Bloom: 300 Years of Bulb Vases in Great Britain, by Patricia Coccoris (launch in February 2012)

Both are making good progress but to detriment of my own titles - not unsurprising, although 'Additions' is quite close to completion. But I was considering a book on 20th century glass from Thomas Webb (plus associated companies) at some stage, even if it would never be a good seller. It would be nice to broaden this remit to one on 20th century Stourbridge art glass, but I feel this is a too wide-ranging unless someone else has the time. However, I don't think this would ever be a "budget" title - I don't do budget!  8) And as with all my own titles, none are particularly profitable when too many people are reluctant to buy books nowadays with so much data on the internet. They are written and produced purely for my own pleasure and satisfaction, and because I can.

As for adding more images to my Webb site ( :D ) it is something I'd like to do, but it is down to finding free time when I have many other commitments; producing a whole range of greetings cards; progressing with a design heritage web site with Denis; designing and producing all the books; maintaining all the web sites, etc.

Another book I have been researching on the back of Chance Reflections is one on the history of the Birmingham glass industry (sometimes a consequence of researching one area, that another comes on the radar!)

But I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have purchased any/all of the titles I have published in the past.
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Carolyn Preston on May 25, 2011, 11:51:42 PM
Jackie Onassis had a lovely quote (which I cannot find now) about if you have made a book you have really accomplished something.

Carolyn
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Paul S. on May 26, 2011, 09:58:26 AM
thanks David  - sorry, wasn't trying to suggest you should compromise the quality of your writing by making it a budget effort, but rather perhaps that there might be production areas such as hard back versus soft cover issues that might assist with the budget.    The Chance book was a quality text, and cost wise not expensive, and represented very good value for money.    It's when the cost gets up to £50 plus that people might think twice.   Also, please don't make it as heavy as Charles Hajdamach's "20 Century etc."  -  only they are too heavy to hold in the bath  - or almost anywhere for that matter. ;)    Anyway, hope I live long enough to see something from you re Webb, feel sure it will be very worthwhile.

hello Carolyn :) -  the only quote from that first lady that I can see - relevant to books  -  is................"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all.”    Don't know if this was what you were trying to remember.
   
 She also said.......“There are two kinds of women: those who want power in the world, and those who want power in bed” ......................and for poignancy

"What is sad for women of my generation is that they weren't supposed to work if they had families. What were they going to do when the children are grown - watch the raindrops coming down the window pane?"

but I must desist...........I see Anne getting out her red pen - again ;)


 
 
 
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: David E on May 26, 2011, 12:16:16 PM
Paul, that's OK, I was only joshing. Most of my books are digitally printed, meaning they are much more expensive to produce than litho, but it does mean smaller print runs are far more manageable. Imagine having to store 1,000-2,000+ of each title (and several thousand pounds worth of investment) and it gets rather daunting.

As for the cover, having them produced with a hardback in the UK adds at least £5+ (~6€ or ~$8) per copy. Just not worth it when I'm trying to offer value for money. I'm also reluctant to get them printed overseas, but will have to do this for Patricia's title, and perhaps Anne's, both of which are horticultural in nature and should have a wider audience. Patricia and I ran the idea of a launch past the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) the other week, and they were most enthusiastic and prepared to offer support, which fills me with a lot of confidence.

Of course, Patricia's book will definitely appeal to glassies as well, of course!  (Just to drag the topic back onto a British-based glass-theme) ;)
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: chopin-liszt on May 26, 2011, 12:22:30 PM

Tut, tut, you didn't mention the most important use of your time - spending it with Patricia!
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Anne on May 26, 2011, 04:33:14 PM
Paul, mine's a GREEN pen! :P
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Paul S. on May 26, 2011, 08:57:12 PM
I think this might be an oblique reference to the fact that said mod. doesn't pollute the air by being complicit in using the internal combustion engine.    But I bet you accept 'lifts' in someone's car sometime or another  ;)
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Anne on May 27, 2011, 01:36:00 AM
No it wasn't Paul, it was simply observing that my Mod comments are always in green type as I'm the green moderator! Each Mod makes their comments in a set colour so other Mods know who has actioned it. Nowt to do with cars or being eco-aware or suchlike. :P
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Paul S. on May 27, 2011, 08:42:01 AM
beg pardon  - my apologies Anne. :pb:
Title: Re: Webb's uranium optic moulding
Post by: Anne on May 27, 2011, 07:42:02 PM
You're forgiven! :kissy: