Glass Message Board
Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: neil53 on December 19, 2023, 04:31:56 PM
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This is a signed dichroic studio vase. The vase is in excellent condition for its age. It shows some age related wear and tear to the base commensurate with use. It has a rough pontil mark to the base. The vase measures 14.5 cm (5.8 inches) in its widest point at the slightly undulating bowl rim and is 18 cm (7.2 inches) in height. The bowl is blown in amethyst and green coloured glass with an external surface covered with clear glass trailing. The vase is signed to the base "xxxxxxxxxxx" in script. There are no chips, cracks, significant scratches or any evidence of restoration. The vase weighs 1.47 kg. (~ 3 lb. 4 oz.).
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can't help, but wanted to say what a stunning piece.
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Interesting piece, whilst the style doesn't look typical, I think the signature may read Peter Layton.
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The nearest thing I know of in style, (and when I checked, realised it is still probably a good bit off) is Agnes Smetana. But she may well have refined her style since '88.
Or perhaps it's just the combination of green and purple with external decor that is triggering me.
It is one I love. ;D
And her work is always worth seeing anyway. :P
https://prisma-gallery.com/index.php/galleries/36-gallery-of-agnes-smetana
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Hi, thanks to all for your replies. It was bought at auction with the auctioneer claiming it was a Peter Layton piece. The signature is not his as far as I can see nor is the vase blown in his style as has been commented - hence this posting. I bought it believing it was unlikely to be Peter's work and I have a number of his pieces in stock. I can see why you and the auctioneer might think it is his signature as the style of script is similar but I've only ever seen his work with the forename spelt out in full. I'll see if I can find any of his early work that might resemble this one anyway.
I seem to remember seeing a couple of vases of similar construct sold at auction earlier this year at Cotswold Auctions in Cheltenham. From what I remember it was a woman artist but I can't remember her name and they don't publish past catalogues. I'll keep looking and really appreciated the input. Kind regards, Neil
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I do like the Smetana vases. Very organic. I don't think it is her work though. Again, much thanks, Neil
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I've sent a message to Peter at London Glassblowing asking if he is prepared to comment on whether he blew it or not. Neil
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Hi Neil,
Hopefully, LGB will be able to confirm the signature, you may not hear back as they don't always reply regarding pieces in the secondary market. Just to add, Peters signature can sometimes look like it was signed Ptr, it was just signed very quickly. The style is quite different from his more recent work, however, some of his earlier work around this time can be slightly different stylistically. Hope you get an answer!
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Thank you Greg, I'll update the post as soon as I know anything. Kind regards
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Mr. Layton mostly just designs and has other artists make the work, these days, although he supervises each piece.
My first impressions of the signature had me thinking the surname started with a Z and that there also seems to be a q in the middle. ???
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Gail D Gill makes/made in this style, that's probably the past auction pieces you are thinking of.
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I think the Z is actually an 'L' with a tail at the top. The dash over the signature at the end is also consistent with Peters signature.
Neil, I hope you don't mind I took the liberty of pasting your signature pic into the below picture to show a few comparisons together.
I think the signature looks reasonable in comparison, however, its always good to hear directly from the studio, especially as its an unusual piece.
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Hand written letters can sometimes be open to interpretation. :-[ ;)
Gail D. Gill's signature is easy to read. At least, the one I've found is. A new name to me. ;D
https://www.artvalorem.fr/en/lot/121680/17184327-gail-d-gill-xxth-century-free-form-perfume-bottle-in-glass
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I think that is Peter Layton's signature. This is an item of his I own. It is very close to yours but has no date.
Ross
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Thanks to all for your comments. You are correct that Gail. D. Gill was the name I was looking for. I hadn't heard of her prior to the Cotswold auction but she does nice work if a little fancy for my own tastes. I'm pretty convinced now that the signature is Peter Layton's and thank you for all your input on that score. Apart from the signature the date is also in a similar script to a 1987 piece I have of his. I guess I just don't associate him with the style of the vase which seems very different from the work I normally associate with him. Mind you I come across pieces of his on an occasional basis that I wouldn't have first attributed to him. Obviously a man of many facets. I'll let you know if I hear back from him. Kind regards and Happy Christmas to you all. Neil