Topic: Calling all Webb Corbett affacionados...

[carolglass]

could some one out there in GMB land inform me of the age and designer of this lovely item- am quite struck with the design and cutting. I seem to be drawn to colourless glass recently.
 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Pottery-glass/Glass-crystal/Vases/auction-349472459.htm

Many thanks in advance from a quite wet West Australia. Carol

[Leni]

I love it, Carol!    From the picture which shows the acid etched mark, it appears to be the mark used between 1930 and 1947, but it also appears to have the T mark in the middle to show that it was made in their factory at Tutbury, Burton-on-Trent.  However, I thought this and the S for Stourbridge were only used with the 1947 to 1952 mark.  This would appear to indicate that the bowl dates from 1947, if I've understood correctly.  Perhaps someone more knowledgeable (mustn't call anyone an 'expert' around here!   ) can elucidate.  

As to who designed and / or cut it, the chief designer at Tutbury was David Smith, and Irene Stevens, who joined the firm in 1947, worked with him.  I don't know enough about the style of their work to be able to say if either of them or A. N. Other were responsible for this bowl.  Anyway, I really admire it!  It's a lovely piece  :thup:

[carolglass]

Thank you Leni for the wealth of information about the mark-I did purchase a clear vase a month or so ago which I "hope"is designed by Irene Stevens-I will resuscitate that  thread  when I get home to NZ and unwrap. Should NOT be buying but 'sob' cannot help myself.
 Am hoping for a realistic design attribution which will 'help' me make a decision on this particular vase-the $$ are a bit of a put off though.
Who am I kidding- I am a sad glassie :thud:
regards Carol

[keith]

Great piece Carol. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Leni,you sound like an expert to me!

[Leni]

Leni,you sound like an expert to me!

Nah, not me, Keith!  :24:  I just pick other people's brains - and read their books!    I recommend 'Art Deco to Post Modernism, A Legacy of British Art Deco Glass' by Nigel Benson and Jeanette Hayhurst.  It's the catalogue of an exhibition they held in 2003.  You can probably get a copy of it from Nigel    

[nigel benson]

Hmmm,

Maybe I'm just feeling a bit below par, but I'm getting increasingly more tetchy about the need to attribute items before buying.

Surely the reason for buying anything that you admire is for that, and that alone? The piece gives you a buzz, which in all likelihood means that the enjoyment it gives you over the years will surpass the information about who, or who did not, designed it - and the price paid. Certainly many of the things that I've bought over the years, that at the time I thought were expensive, have proved, long term, to be super buys; both for there aesthetic pleasure and for their improved value.

What you are asking seems more related to the 'signature' of the vase, which to me smacks more of ensuring an investment - unless you are only interested in collecting Ms Stevens' designs? If the piece is of good quality - and it is - then just decide whether or not you're happy with the price.

Sorry................rant over  :huh: Although, there is a message there  

Nigel

 
Edit: The catalogue Leni so kindly refers to is available through the website

[carolglass]

Thanks Nigel for bringing me back to sanity/reality
 I have never purchased glass from an investment viewpoint but do get carried away with trying to justify my purchases- silly really as there is only me -hangover from less happier times I guess. Will have to have a very careful think about this particular item.
regards from a damp West Australia Carol