Topic: Holyrood Glassworks or Webb?

[JOK]

Just a query about the manufacture of this jug. In the Hajdamach book, an identical jug with the lions mask feet and of the same shape is described as being by Thomas Webb. The quality of the cutting and the manufacture is absolutely like Webb glass. Similarly I have seen some of the Bronze ware glass with the same lions maks feet. However, there are a number of attributions to the Scottish factory Holyrood Glassworks, notably at Bonhams over the years, which make reference to a catalogue from the 1879 Sydney Exhibition. Does anyone have access to the Holyrood design books or shed any light on whether the jug is actually Holyrood or Thomas Webb?

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/26695/lot/213/a-claret-jug-from-john-fords-holyrood-glassworks-circa-1875/
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/17232/lot/330/

[flying free]

The jug you reference as being in Hajdamach is in British Glass 1800-1914 page 172.  It isn't the same jug as yours, the engraving is different definitely.  In the caption to the photograph of the jug, it is described as ' Plate 148.Jug with applied lion masks on feet.  Probably (my underlining) designed by James O'Fallon at Thomas Webb and Sons, 1870s. Height 5 3/4 " (14.5cm) Michael Parkington collection'.  Admittedly, it is referenced in the book main writings on that same page and the way it is written makes it appear it's being described as by Thomas Webb designed by James O'Fallon.

Bonhams in your first link, don't give a height for the jug I don't think.  Though it will be less than the 26.5cm height given for the claret decanter as it's smaller in their photograph.
What height is your jug?


This is an example of what was shown from Holyrood glassworks in the 1880 Melbourne catalogue
Jug and glass - not the same as your jug though - very different:
https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Official_Catalogue_of_the_Exhibits/-7CblBiEoDMC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=jug+holyrood+glass&pg=PA269&printsec=frontcover

Source 'Official Catalogue Melbourne' page 269

I couldn't find a reference to the Sydney catalogue with any pictures.

Just for reference on this thread, the Bonhams first example was sold recently with that information of Holyrood - in 2021

[JOK]

Thanks, yes thats the correct reference for the one illustrated in the British Glass book. my jug is 13.5cm high. Another Bonhams reference, again saying Holyrood is here: https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24082/lot/248/a-collection-of-engraved-glass-from-the-holyrood-glassworks-edinburgh-late-19th-century/
the second link in the original post is actually this jug as far as i can tell, with the same crest engraved.
Just curious to know why it has been attributed to Holyrood when there are other references to the form as Webb. I understand there is a new book on Hoolyrood glass, but havent got a copy yet. There is a beaker in the Museum of Edinburgh with the same lions mask and scroll feet https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/decorative-art-0

[flying free]

https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/hh43881083b%20Holyrood%20glassworks%20lions%20head%20prunt%20glass.jpg

Image link to beaker with the lion masks and scroll feet in the Edinburgh museum.

You could try writing to the author of the recent book on Holyrood perhaps?  It think it's from Gaslights to Goblets? (sorry haven't time to check)