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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: chopin-liszt on July 01, 2009, 04:40:30 PM

Title: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: chopin-liszt on July 01, 2009, 04:40:30 PM: Been busy going dizzy with my camera today.

I bought this fabulous vase a couple of years ago, from Glashaus (anybody know where he's disappeared to? I'm quite concerned about him).

I know it's by an American artist, whose first name is Jim, it's dated 85.
I simply cannot make out the surname - begins with an M, there seems to be a g in it, it might end with an a.

I can't even guess at a logical name. Does anybody with any more knowledge of American artists or even just American surnames, have any idea? :spls:

Vase:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/more%20glass/jim2.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/more%20glass/jim1.jpg

Signature:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/more%20glass/jimsig5.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/more%20glass/jimsig4.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/more%20glass/jimsig3.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/more%20glass/jimsig2.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/chopin-liszt/more%20glass/jimsig1.jpg

Thanks.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: Lustrousstone on July 01, 2009, 05:36:53 PM: Maguire, Mcguire, Magnum, Magum :huh:

Nice photos ;)
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: glassobsessed on July 01, 2009, 06:26:28 PM: The last character could be an 'a'.

John.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: TxSilver on July 01, 2009, 08:54:27 PM: Maybe Jim Megura?
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: oldglassman on July 02, 2009, 09:10:01 AM: Hi ,
Could be Jim megura , he is a friend of mine so have contacted him with the link to see if it is one of his ,
Cheers ,
Peter
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: chopin-liszt on July 02, 2009, 09:55:08 AM: :chky: :hiclp: :thup:

I think that may well be the name. Thank you so much!
It's really been bothering me - it is such a fantastic piece of glass he cannot be unknown or have slipped into obscurity.

I bought it at The Art Glass Fair in Dulwich, in London. I have to fly home as I cannot cope with trains, and brought it home with me in my hand luggage.
Naturally, the security folk at the airport insisted on seeing it - too much of a mystery in their x-ray machines. The "OOOhs" and "AAAhs" of the staff when they saw it gathered quite a big crowd of admirers and caused quite a stir!

I had hoped somebody might recognise the work or know the signature - I hadn't dreamt somebody would be able to contact him personally!

I would be delighted to hear any more information about him.

I'm all of a tizz! Thank you so much.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: oldglassman on July 02, 2009, 10:04:56 AM: Hi ,
Small world isnt it , although my area is 17thc and 18thc drinking glasses ,I know Jim also has an interrest in this area,I have known both Jim and his wife for many years and talk frequently, he is living in CT USA ,

I note you are in Scotland , Hee Hee and i am a Scot living in England , and the maker is american , and you bought the piece in London , like i said a small world!!!!,Jim will reply to me soon so i will post what he says and also invite him to join the forum so others can discuss his glass blowing career and his products.

Cheers,
Peter.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: chopin-liszt on July 02, 2009, 10:20:58 AM: ;D

I have taken a vague interest in research that has been going on in "connectivity" - how many links it takes to connect one person to another through knowing each other.

It would appear that there are certain individuals who are "hubs", and connect loads of other unconnected groups.

I have always hoped/suspected that I might be one of these hubs (vague ego-trip on the go here) - but I think in the glass world, most of us are!

I'm still all of a tizz. I've googled his name, but seem to only come up with an author of books on bottles, and an American glass dealer in England.

I find that weird - his work should be far better known if this vase is anything to go by.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: oldglassman on July 02, 2009, 10:41:14 AM: "I've googled his name, but seem to only come up with an author of books on bottles, and an American glass dealer in England,"

that will be Jim, he comes to england once or twice a year to exhibit at glass fairs . hope to hear from him soon ,its a bit early in the morning in CT

Cheers ,
Peter.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: chopin-liszt on July 02, 2009, 10:52:16 AM: :huh:

I've copied and pasted this from oxbridge fairs exhibitor list:-

"Jim Megura - An American dealer, selling mainly 18th century
European glass, along with 18th & 19th century English glassware."

Are you sure it's the same guy? Where's HIS work in this? Is the listing wrong?

Not being rude or doubting you - I'm just confused.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: oldglassman on July 02, 2009, 11:32:58 AM: Hi ,
yes it is definately him , he no longer blows glass, here is his reply

"Oh my, yes, I made that, having had a glass blowing studio in the mid 1980's; do you have an email for the person asking about it? I am not a member of the forum and don't know how to use it. Thanks,"

cheers ,
Peter.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: oldglassman on July 02, 2009, 11:45:15 AM: HI ,
I have sent you an email with the contact details for Jim , and also sent your contact details to Jim ,

Hope you have lots of fun finding out about your piece and some history of his glass blowing career.

Cheers ,
Peter.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: chopin-liszt on July 02, 2009, 12:48:11 PM: :kissy:

Swoon - I've had an email from him - double swoon, lost for words, goldfish impersonation going on here!
Sorry.... :-[ I get all teenybopperish when I have personal contact with artist I admire!

Thank-you, thank-you and thank-you again for all your help, Peter!

This is just fantastic, I'm so chuffed and pleased and happy!

(but a tad sad he's no longer working. It's such a loss to the world of Art glass.)
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: jonchellycain on July 02, 2009, 12:54:40 PM: haha i get the same when ever i talk to Timothy Harris, also did it the other day when i realised Ivo on here was Ivo Haanstra.. i went running over to my partner waving the book in his face going "ive just been speaking to the bloke who wrote this" !! :24: star struck lol. (did the same when i first spoke to frank andrews and mark hill and marcus newhall.. how sad am i ;D)
Gorgeous piece and as you said complete loss to those of us who have a passion for gorgeous glass
michelle
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: Anne on July 02, 2009, 01:04:17 PM: So we can assume you're happy then Sue? >:D :24:
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: chopin-liszt on July 02, 2009, 01:13:00 PM: :-[

I get like this with Tim too Michelle - you've no idea how hard it is to call him "Tim" - I want to call him "Mr. Harris" and grovel on my knees.

Yes indeedy, Anne, I'm a very, very happy bunny. It's a gloroius piece of glass, high in my top list of favourites.

One of those pieces I saw from a wee bit away and made a beeline for, scared silly somebody else would get there first. I HAD to have it.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: oldglassman on July 02, 2009, 01:23:24 PM: :chky: wonderful glad i could help , and!!! in an area of glass that dont really have any knowledge about ,

lets hope some more questions appear on the forum in my field , 17th and 18thc drinking glasses , meanwhile glad to spread a little cheer , :thup:

Peter.
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: chopin-liszt on July 04, 2009, 10:24:07 AM: I thought I'd better report here about the info. I recieved in a lovely email from Jim Megura!

He has confirmed that he made this vase at his studio in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in the mid '80s. He studied in New Haven, Connecticut and in Manhattan, New York.
Very sadly, given his obvious skill and talent, he was unable to keep the studio running because of prohibitive overheads and he no longer makes glass, but now deals in antique glasses - he can often be found at fairs over here!
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: Anne on July 04, 2009, 10:06:09 PM: What great feedback, thanks for sharing it Sue. And as he comes over to the UK you might even get to meet him in person - now that would be cool!
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: Andy on July 05, 2009, 10:54:15 AM: What a lovely story! :hiclp: :hiclp: :hiclp:

Cheers
Andy

(lovely vase, shame not to use such talent! )
Title: Re: Help with sig? American Studio glass, ariel.
Post by: Oxbridge Fairs on July 05, 2009, 01:07:04 PM: Jim Megura is a regular exhibitor at the National Glass Collectors Fair and you will be able to meet him at the next event on Sunday November 15th at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull.