Topic: Mystery Maltese Glass - Mdina/Michael Harris?

[chopin-liszt]

Michael Harris left Mdina in '71. 

[Nemmie]

But apparently Betty stayed on.

[Greg.]

No doubt in the slightest that it is a Harris piece. Just interesting that these are the only two pieces that I have ever seen marked 'Betty' and also the inclusion of the post Harris date on the chalice of 1974. So it would appear that 'Betty' was around from the early years, when your piece was produced and stayed on after the Harris's left, until at least 74.

Given that the name is virtually never seen, I did wonder if 'Betty' was perhaps an employee or family friend that worked in the shop or office and very occasionally signed the odd piece to help out during exceptionally busy periods.

Agreed, something with such a personal inscription would be unlikely to include the name of someone less known at the factory. However, I did wonder if 'Betty' may have been a close friend/empolyee who worked their, I would imagine it was quite a close knit place to work, especially in the early years. The Betty mystery continues.........

[goyjus]

Curiouser and curiouser... 

[Greg.]

Its all a bit of a mystery 

Perhaps there's more than Betty or the date of 74 is incorrect, it certainly appears to read 74. I did send Ron a quick email about the wording on the Chalice and the date. I'll let you know if I hear back.

All a little puzzling. 

[flying free]

The first piece in this thread says
'with all our love Mike, Betty, Timothy and Jonathon'
that's a very personal inscription especially saying 'with all our love'.  I would think that has to mean that Betty is Elisabeth doesn't it?
I wonder whether the chalice was a present for Betty, and inscribed years after it was made?  Is the writing Michael Harris'?
m

[Lustrousstone]

Betty is not an uncommon name for those born in the first half of the last century, which fits with the 1974 date. The first Betty is most probably Elizabeth Harris, given the combination of the names, but any thoughts about who the second Betty is are just pure speculation. Betty was probably a tourist who happened to watch them f doing the engraving and asked for her name on it. Note that it is not a dedication, just a name.

[flying free]

Yes possibly, but Greg has said he is sure this is a Harris Chalice and it is dated 1974. 
Which is odd given that the Harris's left Mdina in 1971.
m

[Lustrousstone]

The chalice is the wrong shape for a Harris one; it has a "square" bowl rather than a bell shaped one

[glassobsessed]

As Christine says, definitely more of a Dobson influenced shape and Harris left in 72 not 71.

John