Topic: Huge Deep-Cut-Crystal Vase: Webb Corbett?

[David E]

Can anyone help ID this magnificent vase. I am thinking it may be Webb Corbett, and possible designers Irene Stevens or David Queensbury, but my knowledge is a bit thin in this area!

Has five vertical lines, with drape cuts around each side and a star-cut base. The scalloped cut rim might provide a clue. Approximately 10-in. (25cm) high and 2.6kg in weight.

[johnphilip]

Hi David Nigel is probably the one you need but maybe he has gone into hibernation.

[Heidimin]

Looks a bit too traditional for the designs Queensbury did for Webb Corbett.

In 1963 Webb Corbett commissioned a range of decorative cut glass from David Queensbury, professor of ceramics at the Royal College of Art and one of the leading industrial art designers of his day. The company wanted something that was ‘essentially modern’ but which would ‘extend rather than break with tradition.’ This was a difficult brief for, as Queensbury said, ‘all the qualities of sparkle and intimacy expected of cut glass seem to be in opposiiton to the current demand for simplicity of line.’ Queensbury designed four basic patterns which he called: Random, Harlequin, Diadem and Mitre. On the strength of this, Webb Corbett commissioned another cut range from Queensbury in 1965 which included the Domino, Soliloquy and Cascade patterns.

Glassmakers of Stourbridge and Dudley 1612-2002: A Biographical History of a Once Great Industry, Jason Ellis

Pictures of Queensway at http://www.stylendesign.co.uk/guidepages/estoz4.html and Random and Harlequin at http://vads.ahds.ac.uk/ .

[David E]

Thanks JP, I'll bump it up next time he's around.

Heidi, I tend to agree. His designs were quite different to the traditional. Still a very nice piece though.

[Frank]

Farquharson(ish) but perhaps a bit to strong. :huh:

[David E]

Could be, but that would date it pre-war I think? Seems a bit later to me, but I really am no expert.

[Sue C]

David, the scalloped edge seems to figure in a lot of designes ie:- cut, i have it on  Stewart, Edinburgh, the lieth piece and also Webb?? how do we disdinguish the scallops please

[Frank]

I had the thought of E&L too. But mine are all packed away 

[David E]

David, the scalloped edge seems to figure in a lot of designes ie:- cut, i have it on  Stewart, Edinburgh, the lieth piece and also Webb?? how do we disdinguish the scallops please

It might only be possible when examined closely, but the simplistic 'drape' cut style should identify it. My feeling is still toward a Stourbridge maker, due to the locality.

[Leni]

I recently bought a bowl and plate (from Nigel - where IS he when you need him?!  ) with similar 'drape' cutting, although the edge is plain, not scalloped.  From above, the cutting looks like a spider web!  It's marked 'Stuart England'.  Nigel was going to look up any info he had about it for me, but as you say John, he seems to be hibernating!