Topic: Two OKRA paperweights with initials, pattern no. to the base and year 1984

[LunarFaerie]

Hello again,

I'm looking for a little help regarding two paperweights bought at auction.

They are both marked to the base but I can't find a detailed record of the signatures(initials) or the design numbers.

The larger one with the gorgeous swirled iridescent pattern is marked 'Okra 1984 NP No. 290'

The smaller one which has a beautiful trailing pattern and heart-shaped leaves is marked 'Okra 1984 GAP No. 364'


Could anyone tell me a little about the makers of these pieces please?

Many thanks, Susan

[Anne]

Okra Glass was Richard Golding.  Richard, a Master Glassmaker, is undoubtedly one of the world's leading exponents of surface decorated glass. Producing mainly iridescent glass Okra has been in continuous production since 1979. Richard now runs Station Glass where he makes predominantly unique pieces.

More here: http://www.artiusglass.co.uk/id11.html

[keith]

I have a small list of the people who worked with Mr Golding but none of those initials match, maybe they relate to patterns.

[paperweights]

The response above left me wondering where Okra was located.  So, I googled the name and came up with the following (hopefully accurate) information.

Okra is based in Stourbridge, West Midlands, UK.  The current artists include Dean Hopkins and Karinna Sellars.

[Pat]

I think that's right. Many years ago my husband went there secretly on a Sunday to see Richard and get me vase for a present.

[keith]

Originally based about a mile north of Stourbridge then somewhere else away from Stourbridge, Mr Golding sold the company to a large glassmakers, forget who and later bought it back, he later sold out to the workers there, don't know who and set up Station Glass (Leicestershire way ) I believe he's about to retire. You could email Okra, the last time I 'spoke' to someone they were selling old stock and not making anything at the moment, this was a while ago things may have changed, again 

[tropdevin]

***

Try asking Richard direct: email  richardgolding@stationglass.com .  He is a lovely person, very helpful.

Alan

[keith]

Or better still what Alan said 

[LunarFaerie]

Thank you for all the replies 

I have the paperweights listed on an auction site at present and thought I should share a message I received regarding the info I posted which turned out to be incorrect.

I found the incorrect info on an individuals website, who was selling Okra glass.

The message I received was in reply to the first line of text-which I had incorrectly stated in the listing.

It reads

"They are based in the West Midlands and are now run by Dean Hopkins and Karinna Sellars"

They ran the business into the ground over a 6 month period. Shut down 5 years ago."

I won't disclose on this thread who the message was from-suffice to say I have looked at their page, as supplied at the bottom of the above message, and they are in the position to be able to correctly supply full and factual info on Okra glass