Topic: Stuart Glass vase with etched penguin

[Windsor Pete]

We have inherited a Stuart Glass vase which has a penguin etched on it, see attached image.
Getting information about Stuart Glass is now very difficult because the company has changed hands multiple times. We would love to know the background of this piece, and its potential value.
All help appreciated.
Thanks
Pete

[Anne]

Hi Pete and welcome to the board.

Just three comments really: the first being we don't give values as we aren't appraisers, the value will be what someone is prepared to pay on the day you list it on the platform you list it on.   

Secondly, we appreciate a bit more info about the item you are asking about. Your photo on the plain red background shows the design off nicely, so thank you for that, but we would also like to see the base please, and a clear close up of any marks that may be on it, as these could give us valuable clues. 

Finally, dimensions are useful - height and diameter, as without these we don't know if we are looking at a small vase for snowdrops or a monster for lilies.

[Windsor Pete]

Thanks Anne for the help.
Luckily we have just found some paperwork that goes with the vase, which tells us a lot more about it.

One piece of paperwork states ...
"This piece of Stuart Crystal has been engraved by Michal Fairbairn to illustrate the Galapagos Penguin a species in danger of extinction. Only three engravings of this species will be made - each unique in design."
It is signed by Michael Fairbairn A.R.C.A and W.C. Stuart Stuart and Sons Director.

The other paperwork is a letter from Harrods and a letter from Red House Glass Work, Stourbridge.
The Harrods letter, dated 12th June 1973, explains that a small number 15 etched next to the penguin is the serial number of the Penguin vase.
The Red House letter, dated 15th June 1973, explains that this vase is part of series based on wild life animals, created by Michael Fairbairn.

We will now look for a reputable appraiser to see what the value of the vase might be.
Many thanks
Pete

[chopin-liszt]

Thank-you so much for providing us with all the relevant info. about these really lovely and unusual pieces!
It would appear you know all there is to know and you have all the paperwork to prove it.
This is of great value to us.
And if you are selling them, good luck.

[Alix]

lovely piece, you are lucky to have that.

Michael Fairbairn is a very skilled copper wheel engraver and a lovely guy with an amazing knowledge of glass engraving techniques.
As a schoolchild he won a scholarship based on his drawing skills (and having seen the piece of work he did for this you can see why he was accepted) and was involved in one of the early Coventry Cathedral projects while still a student.

And for the studio glass fans - he was good friends with the late George Elliot