Topic: Ronald Stennett-Willson Floorvase

[Pinkspoons]

A recent-ish buy that I've just got around to photographing. The vase is a not insubstantial 380mm x 380mm, and it wouldn't fit on my current shooting table... so I had to revert to the dark ages and dig out my photo tent - remembering very quickly why I stopped using it. 

I bought the vase from an ex-Lemington's worker (employed in the technical department) who was given it as an engagement present in 1967, and he said this about its production:

"It was hand blown at Lemington Glass Works from a 'pot furnace'. Basically a pot was a large bowl made of clay. The pot was loaded up with the charge late afternoon then founded in the furnace overnight, to be 'worked' the following day. Pots were used for specialist glass and decorative ware."

[cmdg]

HI, Thank you very much for that,it is a really lovely looking piece!,I have never quite managed to acquire one for myself yet,and they very occaisionally turn up!.I do have a number of the 'Angular' vases that were based on the same shape,but smaller and I think probably thicker walled,at around 6 1/4" tall,the weight(of mine) varying widely from 1lb 12oz to 2lb 14oz (all approx the same height),I would be interested to know how tall and  how heavy/thick walled is your floor vase?.I definately would appreciate a good photograph or two,I know Martin,my co-website friend does not have one of these either,so it'll be great to be able to show an example on the website,as we hope to show examples of as many of RSWs pieces as possible!. I would like to add the interesting quote from your friend if that is alright with you?,(with credit of course!).Could you email me the photos direct?,I think it may be easier for to save them that way!.Thanks again.....lovely vase!, Chris  email: greenchris47@yahoo.com

[cmdg]

 Hi Nic,You noted 380mm x 380mm,hieght and diameter,so 15 1/8-ish" for those of us in still thinking in Imperial like me!,and as you say,not insubstantial at all!.
Chris

[Pinkspoons]

Yup - 15 1/8" in old money. The vase is in the attic right now, so I can't weigh it but, from memory, the glass is about 7mm (1/8") thick on the top rim. And weighs a blimmin' tonne!

I'll get in touch with you re: the photographs and the quote when I get chance (it would probably help to dig out the ex-worker's name - I have it somewhere). As I said, it may be a week or two before I get it all sorted.

[Anne]

Hi Chris, are these in my collection of any interest?
http://yobunny.org.uk/gallery1/displayimage.php?pos=-1058

[cmdg]

Hi ,I will look forward to seeing the photos and knowing the weight!,I think the floor vases are thinner walled than the smaller Angular vase,which are about 1/4" thick on average ,no hurry though,as we have plenty to do still!.Can anyone explain why my Cranberry Angular vases are so much heavier than the other colours?,must be something to do with the colouring I guess.
Re:Tumblers,Thank you,but I do have a harlequin set of the Tumblers,and the smaller 'shot' type glasses(similar in shape to Per Lutkens' Canada glass),my sets are boxed,and the boxes are a good,practical piece of design in themselves!,the lid is formed so the glasses can not touch each other,and the box has outline images of the Lemington Glass Cone and blowing rods!.
Thanks again,Chris

[Pinkspoons]

...the boxes are a good, practical piece of design in themselves!,the lid is formed so the glasses can not touch each other.

Holmegaard used to use the same style of box. I applaud the minimal and ingenious use of materials, but they're a pain to open and close!

[glassobsessed]

Another of the Lemington giant floor vases (possibly pattern number LSW613 - not made entirely clear on page 228 Millers 20th Century Glass by Andy McConnell). Same size, both diameter and height approx 38cm or 15 inches.

John

[flying free]

They are fabulous and that's a glorious colour.
m