Topic: who ( was ) is the best glass engraver and why ?!

[Lustrousstone]

Groupie! Have you looked at Katharine Coleman's work yet. 

[chopin-liszt]

Brain not functioning, Christine - I've just modified my post to include you, (I had taken it as a "given" that everybody understood we were in it together ) - and yes, i've just drooled over her work there - (much nicer bits than the barley piece I saw in the bookelt).
I've come away from the conference with a much, much better understanding of all their work, for which I'm very grateful and glad.

You know I'm a bit of a glassmaker "groupie" I come over all stupid and teenybopperish when I meet eminent glass artists.
The big problem with that is I find it difficult to have ocnversations with them as if they are "normal" people......

[Frank]

Both Alasdair & Rish Gordon were over for the conference too.

In the UK you have one benefit in that Alasdair is not as well known as in Australia UK and it is possible to find his signed work from his studio at Strathearn link at affordable prices, rarely offered under his name.

To my mind the stipple engraving is about the best there is, I have yet to see a photograph that conveys the sheer depth and richness that can be achieved with the technique - since Whistler I do not know of anyone continuing this particular skill.

Copper wheel is a very good second and sadly in recess with virtually no teaching available.

Today, speed and cost are of the essence and the days when it was possible for an engraver to have the chance to work for 2 years on single piece are long gone.

[aa]

since Whistler I do not know of anyone continuing this particular skill.

James Denison Pender?

[claretjugcollector]

pender is absolute fantastic !!!

http://www.glassengrave.co.uk/ :fr:

[chopin-liszt]

And I'm shocked you've never heard of him Frank  :thud:  - he's in the Scottish Glass Society, I've seen his work frequently in their exhibitions. Always seems to be displayed in tiny black lined boxes, with it's own lighting.

[Frank]

Oh lugger, not in my directory either  :huh:

[Frank]

Another one to watch that combines all of the engraving methods is Junko Eager http://www.junkoeager.co.uk/seasons.html

[claretjugcollector]

great artist indeed- i amnot sure about the mixing of copper wheel and flexible drill engraved... but the fish are great - love them !! thx for that link ! :hiclp:

[Bernard C]

Easy — in the artist class where time was the artist's own and not a constraint, then Laurence Whistler for his Galaxy window, one of those great works that you can see time and time again, seeing something new and amazing each time.

In the artisan class, paid piecework rates, first overall is Mr Douglas' Deer Hunt, Walsh pattern A5263, which is simply mindblowing.   I'm convinced that Clyne Farquharson was involved in this amazing design — the earliest Walsh pattern clearly showing his influence.   Mr Douglas was paid 8/6 for his work on this 14" bowl.

Then, in the pond category (waterlilies, irises, bulrushes, &c.) Mr Douglas' Waterlily & Iris, Walsh pattern A5231, for which he was paid 9/- for his work on the 14" bowl.   My favourite is the amethyst vase in the pattern shown in Leibe & Hayhurst p.38, which hides a surprising secret, just about visible if you approch the photograph with a very open mind.   Don't worry if you can't see it — it took me about six or seven years!

Finally, in the floral category, anything by Jack Lloyd, whose fresh and delightful work stands head and shoulders above a pretty mediocre crowd.

Bernard C.  

ps — I've not considered anything anonymous, which includes some lovely engraving designed by Keith Murray and others from factories like S&W and Webb.