Topic: Just another piece of Royal Brierley Studio....

[keith]

Rio pattern vase, designed by Gwynethh Newland, 9.5 inches tall, marked to the base and label to rim, pattern number 5617 and would have cost £7.60 in 1985,

[chopin-liszt]

  Can you remember what a pint cost in '85 to help put the price in perspective?
I was remembering just last night that in '75, a pint was 18p. 

[keith]

Google says about £1.20, can't remember myself and have no idea what one costs now 

[flying free]

https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1993/apr/29/beer-prices

Draught beer 77p in 1985

£7.60 odd was quite a lot of money for one piece then! equivalent to about £50 odd now.

[keith]

That is a lot for a flower vase.

[chopin-liszt]

  A crystal flower vase. We are perhaps more used to the use of crystal these days as it is used in so much studio glass, but "the Crystal" used to be the good stuff you brought out for the vicar's visit, along with the best sunday tea service. 

[flying free]

This is true Sue.
I remember being so pleased with myself buying some Arcorac Luminarc crystal wine glasses in Selfridges around that time    (I was very young!)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006LP9RC/ref=sbl_dpx_dining-wine-glasses_B0006LP9R2_0

I had little money and  could only just afford them but remember feeling thrilled about finally having bought 'nice' glasses to drink from within my budget.
I showed my aunt (excellent taste in antiques) who pursed her lips,screwed up her nose then recovered her composure and said 'very nice dear'.  I never loved those glasses after that   

[chopin-liszt]

 
I have just been observing those exact Arcoroc glasses (as whisky tumblers) being used in a 1930's tv drama.
I know how horrible and deflating the words "very nice" can be.
I have a clear memory of going to Boot's and buying myself a set of the very latest fashionable tumblers for my very first flat on my own, aged about 18. A boxed set of Ravenhead "Apollo"s.
They cost £3.45. I felt terribly posh.