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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic, Austria => Topic started by: Anik R on January 27, 2012, 12:32:44 PM

Title: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: Anik R on January 27, 2012, 12:32:44 PM
I just wanted to show off my happiest addition to my Czech glass collection... two perfectly weird birdies from Beranek glassworks (Czech Republic). 

The blue one is 9cm tall and 12cm long. The orange and green is 7cm tall and 22cm long. 

I'm extremely pleased with them though I know they are not everyone's 'thing'.  ;D
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on January 27, 2012, 12:51:53 PM
These I do like Anik - they have so much character and quirkiness.... I bet they cheer you up every time you see them!

and they would go so well with my collection of Beranek "Tropical flowers".
I bought the flowers in TKMaxx, many years ago. I just fell in love with them!

They're massive and very awkward and unwieldy. I had to make three trips by bus between the shop and home to get them all back.

Michael was not happy. I stuck to my guns.  :bat:

Then I was delighted to see that Dan Klein shared my taste, when I went to "A passion for glass" - his collection on exhibition in Edinburgh museum.... where he had a great big pink Beranek tropical flower, exactly the same as the last one Michael moaned about me dragging home.

I was justified. So there. nah, nah ne nah nah Michael!

I really like contemporary Beranek.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on January 27, 2012, 03:22:36 PM
Thank you, Sue! These two silly birdies really do bring a smile to my face. They are fabulous in every way. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford a whole jolly flock. 

 :hi:
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on January 27, 2012, 04:42:22 PM
I believe these are serious collectables of the future.
But loads and loads of fun to have now!
You can put them in different positions to imply different sorts of communication between them - a whole flock sounds like a good idea to me!
 :sun:

(I'll have to try to get pics of my "flowers" for you.)
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on January 27, 2012, 05:24:41 PM
Please do.  :)
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: TxSilver on January 28, 2012, 01:02:51 AM
ooooh, I like them!  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on January 28, 2012, 04:58:35 AM
Thank you  ;D
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: johnphilip on January 28, 2012, 08:46:44 AM
I would be very happy to have them sitting on my shelf  :chky: a really sunny cheerful look . fabulous . :thup: jp a bird lover for life .
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: rosieposie on January 28, 2012, 09:31:01 PM
They are lovely Anik....I really think they are fun,  and I have just had a look at their website and they have some wonderful sheep and rams......I will certainly have to look into those.......brilliant, a whole new make to collect!! :chky:

Rosie. :)
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on January 28, 2012, 09:48:41 PM
Whatever you do, please, please, please do stay away from this giraffe/bird with the puffy eyes. He's mine, or at least I hope he'll be if no one else bids:  Anik's next Beranek (http://www.ebay.pl/itm/BOHEMIAN-CZECH-GIRAFEE-BERANEK-8-TALL-PAPER-WEIGHT-ID-bcport1-/200705619763?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebafcb733#ht_927wt_932)

(http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/sad/begging.gif) (http://www.thesmilies.com)
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 12, 2012, 02:04:47 PM
Ok, I've been very, very brave! I'm not the world's best flower arranger - (they won't stay where I put them) -
but I have struggled. The flowers are up to 2' 9" tall, very unwieldy and delicate and decidedly top heavy!

The vase is a lovely enormous Romblast piece, although I normally keep these in a large German fat lava floor vase - I can put stones in the bottom to weigh it down. The vase sits in a corner, to provide security.
But I've got them all out and balanced them in a glass vase for you. Now I'm scared to undo them all and put them back!
(Excuse the lurid kitchen paint, Anik. You'll be pleased to hear it's only on two walls though - the other walls are deep blood red.  >:D )
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on February 12, 2012, 02:29:55 PM
Thank you for taking the time to arrange and photograph your Beranek flowers, Sue!  I especially like the large open pink one, and the closed orange one with the blue top.  They're perfectly happy, aren't they?

Within the next week (or two), I'll be getting three more birdy-things for my dream flock. I still think these fun, modern Beranek items are great, if only for the really good feelings they stir. :)

Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 12, 2012, 02:56:55 PM
They stir feelings, Anik - and that's what good art does. I'm completely with you on these fabby things.

The big closed orange one (it reminds me of a poppy head) actually has a haematite like metallic finish, the big pink flower has an orangey-yellow spiral on it.... and my favourite is the blue thistle shaped flower with the yellow spiral on it.

Here are Dan Klein's flowers, from the Edinburgh museum.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: flying free on February 12, 2012, 04:07:23 PM
I love the birds and the flowers - superb art.  Anik the long green bird is particularly gorgeous.
~Sue you've given me a brilliant idea - I have some china tulips and giant china leaves - brightly coloured tall things, from Amsterdam and bought by OH years ago for me.  I've never known how to display them, they wobble around in a vases - but a giant Scheurich brightly coloured floor vase will be perfect  :)  I shall have a hunt round tonight for the perfect pot - OH will be pleased.  They've been hiding in the spare room for years.
m
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on February 12, 2012, 04:17:39 PM
Pebbles in the bottom, topped off with a good clump of bubble-wrap to protect their bases and help you "arrange" them.  :thup:
I have to confess, I really do like my flowers in this Romblast vase. I especially like that it makes such a fabulous display of great contemporary glass art, and that I got it all from TKMaxx for under £50......

But I can't think of anywhere safe to put it. :cry:
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: rosieposie on February 13, 2012, 01:22:43 AM
Anik,  we must know, please....did you get the Giraffe? he looked such fun......I do hope you did.  :X:
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on February 13, 2012, 05:30:54 PM
Three more Beranek birds. I'm happy.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: johnphilip on February 13, 2012, 05:36:34 PM
WOW Fabulous . :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: langhaugh on February 13, 2012, 11:26:55 PM
Very nice birds, Anik.  I'd be happy have them in my aviary.

David
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: rosieposie on February 13, 2012, 11:53:12 PM
I'm so pleased you got them Anik.... you can't help but smile looking at those!

My camera battery was flat but it will be charged in the morning then I'll show a few of my new pieces.

Are you going to go for any other Baranek pieces?
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on February 14, 2012, 05:52:03 AM
Thank you, everyone.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: art-of-glass on February 15, 2012, 07:07:55 PM
I love these crazed looking animals!!!!
I have a cat, fish and a bird(like the orange and green one).
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on May 08, 2012, 02:35:06 PM
My husband has just had a fit, but I'm dazzled by my newest Exnar animals. ;D

2 large butt-faced cats, one bird with cataracts and 2 bulgy-eyed fish.  Tee hee!
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: langhaugh on May 08, 2012, 02:47:48 PM
Anik,

They do make a statement, don't they?  The fish look almost slavishly realistic next to the cat.  I can see the attraction in them, even although I'm not quite dripping with jealousy. Just tell your husband, "Whatever makes me happy." And they're easy to clean up after.

David
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on May 08, 2012, 04:22:37 PM
Oh, but you are dripping with jealousy, David.  You just don't realise it.

They are FANTASTICALLY FABULOUS...
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on May 08, 2012, 05:34:02 PM
They are FIENDISHLY, FANTASTICALLY FABULOUS.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on June 13, 2012, 11:23:24 AM
Adding to my FIENDISHLY, FANTASTICALLY FABULOUS Exnar collection...

a glorious snail, 18cm long, 10cm tall and weighing 778g.   ;D
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 13, 2012, 11:34:49 AM
 :'(

He is far more glorious than my Cenedese one, and masses bigger!
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: johnphilip on June 13, 2012, 12:25:59 PM
Anik every one you buy should come with a bottle of Wodka for the old fella .
keeps em happy,,,, works with me . ;D ;) cheers jp
Any Garlic paste with the snail .... ouch . :-[
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on June 14, 2012, 06:18:55 AM
Thank you Sue and JP.

Though my snail isn't in the Beranek catalogue, some of my birds, fish and cats are...  Beranek Catalogue (https://picasaweb.google.com/Jindra8526/BeranekGlassworks?authkey=Gv1sRgCOvIkvmg7-zidA#5448897558068857666)   There are also lovely whimsical flowers a couple of pages over.

There are so many Exnar 'sculptures' to collect.  Unfortunately, I've got a very hard time coming across them -- they seem so few and far between.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 14, 2012, 09:03:19 AM
 ;)

But that's the joy of collecting, Anik - the excitement of finding each one.
It would be very dull indeed if you could just walk into a shop and buy them all at once.

(I need more weird flowers... :) )
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on June 14, 2012, 09:35:37 AM
Oh, I know, Sue, but they very, very rarely show up anywhere. In my two years of obsessively observing glass on Aukro (a Czech on-line auction site) I have only come across one cat, and was horrendously outbid.  All the ones I've got have come from one seller in the States (via eBay), but it seems his stock of Exnar has dwindled away.  Pout, pout...  :(

It's a shame I wasn't a collector a few years back, and that I didn't know Beranek glass could be purchased at TK Maxx...  One phone call to my Mom, and she'd be at Winners (TK Maxx in Canada) buying the stock for me.  Sigh.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 14, 2012, 09:50:49 AM
It was only for a fairly short period soon after they opened that really good stuff could be found - it's been very thin on the ground for a long time, and the only reason for going there now is to check for stuff which might appear later in antiquey and collectable places being passed off as older.
I got both my Tarnoweic "waste-paper bins" there too.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Jindra8526 on June 15, 2012, 01:53:35 PM
Hi Anik,
designer is Jan Exnar not Beranek :-)

jindrich
www.cs-sklo.cz
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek birds!
Post by: Anik R on June 15, 2012, 06:15:21 PM
Oh yes, I know Exnar is the designer of the wonderful animals...  I think my heading is misleading as I meant Beranek glassworks.  I'll ask a moderator to tweek it for me so that it reads "Beranek glassworks birds" or better "Exnar birds".

Thank you for taking a look, Jindrich.  You've been very much missed on the GMB.
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: Anik R on June 27, 2012, 12:27:02 PM
The last item to join my collection, at least for a little while... a rather ugly, but still perfectly charming, frog prince.

He's about 9,5cm tall, 10cm wide and weighs 557g.  I suppose Exnar designed him, though he isn't in the catalogue.

 :)
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 27, 2012, 03:25:26 PM
You'll have to find him his princess!

He's very cute, I'd happily kiss him  :-* .... but could not be responsible for any consequences. ;)
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: Anik R on June 27, 2012, 03:56:55 PM
Lol...  the first thing I did when I unpacked him was give him a big 'ol kiss in hopes that I'd see a change in fortune.  No such luck.  My son decided he'd have a go because I'm doing it wrongly -- apparently my eyes should be closed and not open.

When nothing happened, he decided it's obviously broken and that we should send it back.  ::)
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: Anik R on August 13, 2012, 03:44:01 PM
I've now got a total of 17 Exnar 'things'... It's gone from a happy little cluster, to a collection, to an obsession.  :-[   Here are the latest 5. 
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: chopin-liszt on August 13, 2012, 05:20:47 PM
 :o :-* :o
I'm in love with your anteater!
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: Anik R on August 13, 2012, 08:41:37 PM
Isn't it great?  It's my very favourite of the whole lot! 
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: johnphilip on August 14, 2012, 08:09:23 AM
Anik stop it or you will have another competitor , i love them they look so happy they make you smile . cheers dobre john .
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: Anik R on August 15, 2012, 04:42:56 AM
You're right, JP, I do have to stop. It's become a funny farm. ;D
Title: Re: Not to everyone's liking, but I love my Beranek glassworks (Exnar) birds!
Post by: johnphilip on August 15, 2012, 09:33:42 AM
No Anik i meant stop showing us not stop buying them , you are getting us all hooked on them . john jp