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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => British & Irish Glass => Topic started by: David E on April 21, 2006, 09:58:27 AM

Title: Pilkington Glass with a difference
Post by: David E on April 21, 2006, 09:58:27 AM: Thought Pilkington only made window glass?

Just came across this item (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7409006759&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1) on eBay (item: 7409006759) that, according to the text, was made by the company.

A fabulously intricate item, whoever made it! :shock:
Title: Pilkington Glass with a difference
Post by: Lustrousstone on April 21, 2006, 10:03:11 AM: Probably made by a resident blower at the glass museum, which is in St Helens and was actually on the Pilkington site, although it's moved to a new museum in an older glass works nearby
Title: Pilkington Glass with a difference
Post by: David E on April 21, 2006, 10:08:02 AM: Thanks Christine 8)

It seems to allude that the item was purchased from here, but I wonder if it was a one-off exhibit item or whether they made them for resale? 18" long: they must have cost a fortune! :shock:

Anne (N) might know more as she lived very close to the plant.
Title: Post subject
Post by: vidrioguapo on April 21, 2006, 12:19:48 PM: Isn't that just an incredible piece of work and skill!!!!

As I live by the sea, I may just have to have a go for that, but just think of the damage possibilities in the post!!! Emmi
Title: Pilkington Glass with a difference
Post by: Anne on April 21, 2006, 12:36:21 PM: Yes, David, ships like these were made at Pilkington's. I remember seeing them when we went on a school visit. I was less than 10 years old and on my first-ever visit to a glassworks. The visitor centre had some of these in display cabinets and they made a lasting impression on me.

I recently asked Pilkington's about these and was told they were friggers, and there are many of them in their collection. Joanna Hayward, their Collections and Access Manager, replied to my query and said they are not on permanent display but periodic exhibitions of them are held. They did one about 12 months ago. The friggers are not just of ships, she said, but include items such as a glass Blackpool Tower!
Title: Pilkington Glass with a difference
Post by: David E on April 21, 2006, 07:39:23 PM: Quote
Yes, David, ships like these were made at Pilkington's

Thanks for all the useful info, Anne!

It did seem a bit strange to have such a stunning piece coming from such an industrial company, but it certainly shows off the glassblowers skill. Magnificent.

Emmi, I'm not thinking of it for myself, so I hope you win! :D
Title: Pilkington Glass with a difference
Post by: ian.macky on April 23, 2006, 05:35:48 AM: Quote from: "DenCill"
Thought Pilkington only made window glass?

They also made suspension insulators-- Pilkingon was a pioneer of toughened glass, just what's needed for glass insulators, considering the abuse they suffer. I have a few specimens, sandblasted with their logo Armourlight. They are uncommon.

--ian