Topic: Help Id Glass Artist from The Glasshouse 1988

[nigel benson]

Hello,

We had a piece very much like this in the Contemporay and Post War glass sale at Auction Atrium last October.

I described it thus:
"Low wide ovoid vessel with tiny opening to the centre of the top; irridised clear glass with a pink flowerhead to one side. Incised marks to the base, 'Glasshouse' and 'FFL170073', suggesting the date of 1973."

Despite making a number of enquiries about who the maker might be, including Adam, I couldn't find the answer. I also suggested that it might be Fleur Tookey, as you thought possible Marcus, but I was reliably informed that Fleur Tookey had said categorically that is was not by her. (An unempeachable source).

Not completely helpful, but at least avoids one possible mis-attribution (as was also pointed out to me!!).

Nigel

[Angela B]

Many thanks for that information Nigel. I can now post a picture of my paperweight. And better still, I had a response from the Glasshouse Studio in Seattle, asking me to send them a picture. I'm waiting to hear back from them.
Here's my pictures and all the best
Angela

[Angela B]

I have just received this information from the Glasshouse Studio in Seattle:

Hi Angela.  That is an item we no longer make.  It's done in a Tiffany style with fuming.  That's the irridescent quality.  It's a process that you spray on in the final stages that give it the irridescent finish.  It's also a toxic process as the fumes can become airborn and hard to control.  Most fumed pieces will be fumed in a private chamber for glass studios now.

The artist is Eric Brakken who was the owner of Glasshouse Studio from 1975 to 1998 when he and his wife retired.  He sold the business to the artists working at that time who turned it into a corporation.  Those five partners are now 2 partners and most of our collection is made by Christopher Sternberg Powidzki.  Glasshouse is the oldest glassblowing studio in Seattle and has been in the Historic Pioneer Square district of Seattle since 1972.

Retail value on the weight would be $140-$200 because of the limited nature of Eric's work and no longer being able to do fuming at glasshouse.  A contemporary version from Chris would be about $90 because of the simple design.  Our abstract round paperwights start at $140.

Hope this helps and come see us if you're in the neighborhood!
Warm Regards,

Daniel
Glasshouse Studio
glasshouse(AT)glasshouse-studio(DOT)com

I am so grateful to Daniel for this information. I think it clears up some questions that have been around on this Board for a long time.
I will be putting it up for sale, so if anyone would like to make me an offer let me know!
Angela

[nigel benson]

Excellant news. Well done Angela - and thanks

Nigel