Topic: Iridescent dolphin plaque/tile. ID = Colin Heaney, Australia

[Anne E.B.]

Any ideas who might have made this please?  I've searched Neo Art, Glasform, Lazlo for starters, plus general internet, but come up with nothing similar.  I think it might be intended to be hung on the wall as there is a deep triangular indentation on the back, but I certainly wouldn't risk it as its a heavy piece weighing 680g, 1" thick and over 5" in diameter.
Its got a lovely iridescence to it and looks well made.
TIA

[catshome]

What a lovely piece Anne.  Colin Heaney produces similar pieces in Australia.

Cat

[samantta]

hello
So it's Colin Heaney plate with dolphins,
gorgeous.
https://www.carters.com.au/index.cfm/index/1263-heaney-colin-australia-glass/

S.

[Anne E.B.]

Thanks folks for your comments.
Thanks Cat for introducing me to the work of Colin Heaney.  Fabulous stuff!  What a shame he no longer works with glass.

I've since looked at Heaney's dolphin plaques and mine is similar, but not exactly the same.  It would be lovely if it did turn out to be one of his, as  I only have one other piece of glass made in Australia by Peter Reynolds.  Unfortunately my dolphin piece isn't signed, but then I did read some where that Heaney didn't sign early stuff, and that labels were used.  Anyway, here's hoping...

[brewster]

Hi Anne. I think your plaque is most likely by Colin Heaney as suggested. The common dolphin design that turns up everywhere (also shown below) is not the only type he made. Another fairly common type shows two whales, mother and calf. I don't recall seeing your design before, however.

The one in the photos is about 14cm max diameter by 2cm thick, so similar to your specimen. The photo of the back might be the more interesting image. It shows other similarities to yours.

That one is signed and dated 1993, and it has two stickers. Contrary to the advice you received, almost every Colin Heaney piece that was intended for separate retail sale is signed, and most of them from the late 1980s to the early 2000s originally had a sticker as well. The exceptions are mainly things like individual flowers sold as a bunch in a vase or small pressed items such as pendant charms.

His studio was near to where I live and such things turn up in local markets. I'll keep a lookout for your design. I once answered an inquiry here 7 years later. We don't give up!

Trevor

[Anne E.B.]

Many thanks Trevor.  Much appreciated
Its great that you can answer an enquiry 7 years later, and other members too.  That's the beauty of this forum.

[chopin-liszt]

I've been watching this with great interest. 
The only time I've seen anything remotely like this before was when I was dribbling over a museum display of unique Lalique iridescent tiles, on a wonderful day out with Christine.

[Anne E.B.]

Playing football in a museum Sue .  Tut tut

[chopin-liszt]

Oh no, I never, ever chase after balls. I have more interesting things to do.
Like headering the glass cabinets.   

[brewster]

Anne, here's another similar item on ebay.au. It is different again from yours and mine, but it does illustrate my point that there were several different designs of these wall plaques with ocean themes.

Trevor