The National Glass Collectors Fair
Glass Archive
This section of our Website is intended to be used as a resource for learning about the history, identification and techniques of glass manufacture.
One of the attractions for regular visitors to our fair, is the opportunity to interact with experienced exhibitors and learn from the expert advice they have to offer. We aspire to expand this interaction through our Glass Archive.
It is our ambition to build this archive into an invaluable source of information for anyone with an interest in glass. This will include articles featuring information relevant to both casual readers and experts alike.
Call For New Articles
We are always looking for new articles to add to the Glass Archive.
Have you written an article about antique and collectable glass? Do you have an idea for an informative topic you would like to write about? If so, please visit our article submission page for more information.
Article Copyright
The contents of the articles and essays in the Glass Archive are protected by copyright and should be used for reference purposes only.
Any unauthorised reproduction of these articles can be deemed to be a breach of the authors copyright. Anyone found to be using an author's material for commercial purposes may be liable to prosecution.
Articles
A Visit to the May 2011 National Glass Fair:
A Collectors' Perspective by Jindrich Parik
Article courtesy of Jindrich Parik.
The following article documents Jindrich Parik's visit to our May 2011 glass fair and shares his experiences as a collector.
The Provenance Of Heraldic Glass
Article courtesy of the Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum
The following article documents the trials and tribulations experienced by a glass collector when identifying an intriguing suite of glassware.
Classic Paperweights from Silesia/Bohemia
Book Review by John Simmonds
In recent years there appears to have been increased interest in Silesian/Bohemian paperweights. This review looks at a recent book which provides an in-depth study of classic mid-19th century paperweights from the border region between Silesia and Bohemia.
The Rise of 20th Century British Glass
Written by Nigel Benson
Over the past twenty years or so a greater awareness has grown of the work of 20th century British glass manufacturers and designers. This article looks at some of the most influential glass companies and designers from this period: including Monart, Gray-Stan, James Powell, Stuart & Sons, Thomas Webb, Webb Corbett and Stevens & Williams, Keith Murray and Clyne Farquharson.
Pass The Sugar Basin!
Written by James S. Measell
An interesting article about collecting 'milk glass' sugars and creamers. The author, James S. Measell, is a historian at the Fenton Art Glass Company in Williamstown, West Virginia, USA.
English Pressed Glass
Written By Philip Housden
This article first appeared in the Glass Cone and discusses some of the English pressed glass featured in an exhibition at the Cambridge Glass Fair (22 February 2009).
Michael Harris & The Story Of Mdina
Written By Ron Wheeler
This article is an introduction to the glass of Michael Harris: explaining how Michael came to develop an interest in Studio Glass and went on to found Mdina Glass.
The Rise & Fall Of English Pressed Glass
Written by By Rod Crowshaw
This article documents the origins of mass-produced decorative pressed glass, including information about popular makers and designs.
The
History Of Whitefriars Glass
Written By Willie Clegg
This article provides a brief history
of the Whitefriars factory and the role the Powell family played in
establishing the company.
Jonathan Harris Studio Glass
Written By Val Baynton
Jonathan Harris is a renowned glassmaker, best known for his Cameo and Graal designs. This article provides an insight into Jonathan's background, influences and practices. You will also find information about visiting Jonathan's studio to see how his glass designs are produced.
The
Glass Bathyscaphe:
How Glass Changed the World
Book Review By David Hier
The Glass Bathyscaphe takes a look at the origins and technological developments of glass making throughout history. The book details the innovations made possible by glass in the fields of science, medicine, technology and art.
Collecting Modern European Art Glass 1940-1980
Written By Tim Paterson
This article provides an introduction to collecting Modern post-war Art Glass. If you are just beginning to take a general interest in collecting glass, or you are intrigued by Scandinavian or Italian glass, produced by the likes of Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Flygsfors or Seguso; then you will find Tim Paterson's article particularly informative.
Basket Weave Decoration
Written By Dilwyn Hier
This article originally appeared in The Glass Cone. The subject is concerned with a rare example of bowl, decorated in a wheel-cut basket weave pattern.
Ian Turner Interview (Monart Collection)
This article first appeared in 'The Glass Cone', Summer 2003, Issue 64, a periodic publication of the Glass Association and is reproduced with their permission. The interview took place before the sale of Ian's collection of Monart glass and focuses on how he developed his interest in collecting Monart.
Thomas Webb & Sons – Queen’s Burmese Ware
Written By Dilwyn Hier
This article is an overview of a book on Queen's Burmese that Dilwyn Hier hopes to publish in the near future. Dilwyn also outlines the types of glass he needs examples of in order to complete the book.
Receive Updates About New Articles
To receive updates, notifying you when new articles have been added to this page, please fill out the Mailing List Form below*. You will also receive news and press releases about future dates for the National Glass Collectors Fair, as well as details about any new content on this Website.
Mailing List Form
Submitting Articles
As the Glass Archive is reliant on the contributions of collectors and dealers, who's wealth of knowledge has come from years of experience, the success of this resource is dependent on your willingness to share your own wisdom.
If you have written an article or essay that you would like to be featured on our Website, please Contact us with the details.
