Topic: Less 'Old' Glass at the National Glass Collectors Fair ?

[MarkHill]

In terms of the original theme of the thread - I agree with Nigel and Adam - surely this lack has a bit to do with 'fashion'? Despite focusing on 20thC glass, I do like pressed and indeed 'older' glass and have quite a few pieces myself, but over the past decade the focus of many collectors has arguably moved off such pieces and onto 20thC, studio and contemporary glass. Vendors (be they dealers or auctioneers), will stock what they know (think, hope...whatever) they can sell. If there's a downturn in demand for pieces such as pressed glass, less of it will be stocked as it's harder to sell and money is obviously tied up in stock for longer.
Believe me, I'm not knocking older or pressed glass by any means - I'm just saying that prevailing tastes and fashions can affect what is on offer. I was also at the fair and thought it was another enormous success, and typical of the hard work, experience and skill that Paul and Christina have and put into these events. It was packed when I arrived, and stayed extremely busy until I left a few hours before it ended. Nobody can make people spend money, particularly in a so-called recession, but to get people in through the door is the most important step. Paul and Christina deserve thanks and congratulations. I also saw numerous stands offering pressed and earlier 18th & 19thC glass, and I always enjoy the walk through the virtual 'history of glass', punctuated with a good mix of stands to keep attention going, that the layout of the fair offers.
Mark

[nicola]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts - I have to agree that you have hit the nail on the head - essentially that trends change and move on.

My prevailing memory of the glass fair in previous years (as a collector of pressed glass) were seeing stalls (yes, often more than one!) glowing with primrose pearline glass, some specialising in one manufacturer, colour, type of glass or even time frame...  it was thrilling to see different items and even the pieces that you have in your collection and see what the going price is!   When I first started collecting over 15 years ago, pressed glass was the hot thing and now I suppose people think that it is a bit 'meh' especially with the more brightly coloured, modern glass coming on the scene that fits in with modern interior design fashion.

I overhead one lady say while looking at some pressed glass 'look at that, that is just like the piece we threw away' - all I can hope for is that people try selling their pressed glass at car boots or on ebay so people like me who love this genre can buy them rather than chuck it out with the rubbish!