Topic: Thomas Webb souvenir PIG (frigger) from Franco-British Exhibition 1908

[mrvaselineglass]

I have been looking for one of these for several years.  This one has a little damage (missing part of one ear, and part of the tail), but all 4 legs are there.  Webb set up a small glass factory at the Exhibition and these were souvenirs that could be purchased.  There is one shown (with original box) in two books (most likely the same piece):  pg. 389 in Hajdamach's BRITISH GLASS 1800-1914 and also in ART, FEAT AND MYSTERY by H.W. Woodward, pg. 24.     In the second book, it mentions that "A more light hearted note was struck by the production of glass animals and the sale of glass pigs and teddy-bears with other souvenirs. Some of these, including a hat pin and pigs made by Albert Saunders, were given to Queen Alexandra when she visited the White City.  Webb's "Glass Furnance" had 150,000 visitors."  My little piggy is 2 3/4" long, 1 1/2" tall, and solid glass.  As you can see, it has a nice glow under blacklight.

http://www.vaselineglass.org/webbpig.jpg

[aa]

Very nice. One for the Zoo?

[mrvaselineglass]

sure, frank!  grab away! 

[Bernard C]

Dave & Frank — They also made these pigs in Queen's Burmese Ware, and in a variety of sizes down to quite tiny piglets.

Oddly I've only had one of these, a year or so ago, and mine was missing its squeal and part of one ear.   I think I sold it to a dealer.   I wonder ...   It's a small world.   

You have to admire Webb's brilliant marketing.   "Would Madam like a [boring] one we made yesterday, or will Madam be coming back tomorrow to collect the one you saw being made?"    Celia: "Oh, Mummy, we must have this one, please, I've already given him a name."

So Celia, with Mummy in tow, arrives tomorrow to collect Porky, and they are making teddy bears, surprise, surprise!    ... and the next day piglets .... and so on, ad infinitum.   I just hope Mummy bought a season ticket!

Bernard C. 

[thewingedsphinx]

Recently got this little piggy. 8cm in Queens Burmese.

[chopin-liszt]

 
He is completely wonderful. You must be very pleased.

[thewingedsphinx]

Yes, very surprised to find him, I never knew they existed in this colour, then I found this thread and thought  great I should share some pictures.

[flying free]

   That has to be rare.
m

[ahremck]

There is a Thomas Webb facebook group that I am sure would really like to see your lovely pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1145350706490631

Ross