Topic: Can somebody help please??? I am a new collector and this is my first piece.

[ChrisB]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here, I recently decided that I am going to dive into the world of glass collecting. I was bought a big glass swordfish made in Venezuela when I was 13. I still have it 10 years down the line and it is still in mint condition! I have always admired it and that is what has made me decide to get into collecting....anyways I digress....

 I was in an secondhand book/ antique shop earlier today and this little number caught my eye. I was told by the shop keeper that it is 70's glass. I bought it because the I like the colour and shape. Now I would actually like to know a little about it... Anybody have any ideas??? or seen anything similar to it in the past? Also where would one look to find information on such pieces... anybody recommend a good book?

Any help or information anyone can give me would be much appreciated as it seems there is a heck of a lot to learn on the subject!!! Thanks

Chris

[Bernard C]

Chris — welcome to the GMB.

There's no substitute for seeing and handling the huge variety of collectable glass yourself, so watch the Events forum here for glass fairs, where you can discuss the glass with those who know.   Can you get to Dulwich on Sunday?   If so you will see a comprehensive selection of the best in glass.   Come early — there's a lot to see.   Details here.

I'm a little out of date on starter books, so others may help you with suggestions.   ... and I can't help with your recent purchase.

Bernard C. 

[Ivo]

It is a Chinese piece of glass, and could well date from the seventies - but it could also be more recent.

[suzygpr]

Hi Chris

You'll have a lovely glassy time here - I joined fairly recently and have learnt a lot about all sorts of glass, though I already had a fair knowledge of glass made by Michael Harris.  Rather than go out and buy books, I'd recommend looking through pictures first, it will help you find out what style of glass is your type.  That way you won't be spending glass money on books that may not be very useful if your taste takes you in a different direction. The Glass Gallery has lots of pics from users here.  Then of course there's no substitute is getting your hands on the stuff itself, many sellers at fairs are very knowledgeable and will give lots of good information, as long as you don't stop them from selling by talking too much!  I wouldn't worry too much if you buy something that turn out to be a bit of tat - we all do it - and it's great learning experience.

Have fun!

Suzy x

[ChrisB]

Thanks Guys,

Bernard, Thanks for the Welcome, I'm afraid that I cant make the fair in Dulwich but am keen to get to one in the near future so I will keep my eye on the events pages.

Ivo, thanks for telling me something about it. To be honest I didnt expect it to be anything special seeing as its the first bit of glass i've bought. I only paid £3 for it and I rather like it so to me its a good find! haha! Even if it is a 'bit of tat' as Suzy eloquently puts it.

Suzy, Thanks for your advice...I like the idea of saving money on books for now. As you say its all money that can be spent on glass further down the line. I will try to get out around fairs and shops to handle as much as possible. As for tat, i expect I will buy alot of it early on. I do like the odd boot fair you see!

Anyway thanks for the help and welcomes!

[Frank]

Based on a design of Angus Sillars that had its debut at an international hand made glass exhibition in Portugal in 1972. But that one is not from Scotland as Ivo remarks.

[glassobsessed]

Books are invaluable, for a modest price you can get to ogle loads of interesting glass as well as learn a little 'around' the subject. All the books I have bought have 'paid for themself' later in terms of bargain buys.

Try your local Library, you may have to ask for an inter Library loan.  I have yet to find an unhelpful librarian, you can also ask them to put a book that you are interested in on their buying list (can take a while).

You can always ask around here what people recommend if you decide to buy.

John