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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => British & Irish Glass => Topic started by: catshome on June 12, 2019, 04:08:34 PM

Title: Candlesticks with fish stems - ID = Helen Millard
Post by: catshome on June 12, 2019, 04:08:34 PM
These 12cm high candlesticks appear to be signed "H.Millard (something)2" and "Helen Millard (something) (something - possibly a 2, maybe a 5).


I haven't found anything similar when searching for her work, although it is possible they are early pieces, and I'm a bit reluctant to email and ask her in case they are Dremel.

Does anyone have any reference pieces for comparison?

Many thanks
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 12, 2019, 04:14:33 PM
I had a paperweight by Helen Millard, the internal bit looked not unlike this. I'd be happy enough with the work and general appearance.
Unfortunately, I don't have an image of the signature. Glassobsessed might have one.
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: glassobsessed on June 12, 2019, 06:12:11 PM
I don't have a photo of her signature but there is one here:
https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/2a0276691b1be8d8752e94db4207d31a/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/saturday-collective-sale-lot-2365/
 
The style of the sticks looks spot on, nice too, I would think they are right.

Pretty sure she would not mind you asking. She sometimes sells at Shepton Flea market, superb cameo work.

John

Remembered that I do have a photo, signature on a paperweight.
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 12, 2019, 06:25:50 PM
The very paperweight I was talking about - thanks, John.
It just looks as if a different tool might have been used for the weight and the sticks.
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: catshome on June 12, 2019, 07:51:08 PM
Thank you both for all the info. 

Apart from the quality of the signatures, all the other pieces I've managed to find online have the dates written in full. 

I will email, especially as it would be useful to be able to add more information here.
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 13, 2019, 02:19:19 PM
Can you see the similarities in the way the coloured enamels are worked in both your sticks and the pwt? That was what was most obvious to me when I saw your sticks - they immediately made me recall that weight. :)
Writing to Helen herself is the best idea yet for confirmation.  :)
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: catshome on June 13, 2019, 04:14:34 PM
They definitely have the same effect, and I have also seen that she did some fish related pieces.  When you see her cameo vases ...... I mean the sheer quality of the work......it just seems such a stretch to think she also made these.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that all these great artists had to start somewhere.  I have a little pottery mug made by Michael Cardew at the very start of his time with Bernard Leach......possibly the earliest known piece of his.....and when I compare it with the pieces in the V&A I am always amazed how you can go from complete novice to master craftsman.  It's a bit humbling to be honest.
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: chopin-liszt on June 13, 2019, 04:31:28 PM
I'm rather enjoying your enthusiasm. It's hard to keep it going at this level for 20 years straight, especially as I don't get out much any more.
I do have a bit of a thing about collecting the very early work of artists. I often think their talent shines through the slightly less developed and "professional" apperance of later stuff.
And it is often more affordable.  ;D
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: catshome on January 17, 2020, 07:13:19 PM
I finally got around to emailing Helen Millard, and she has replied and confirmed that they are definitely pieces she made. 

Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: chopin-liszt on January 17, 2020, 07:46:43 PM
Print the email out. :)
You've got some lovely personal provenance to go with them.
Title: Re: Candlesticks with fish stems - Helen Millard?
Post by: Anne on January 17, 2020, 11:08:36 PM
One of Helen's signed pieces here https://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,49639.msg280250.html#msg280250

Great to have Helen confirm these as hers Cat. :)