Topic: unusual? iridised weight id.

[Martyn K]

I think this is unusual but maybe I just have'nt been looking in the right places....

peacock iridised core with a central well that is filled with air giving it a mirror effect viewed from an angle, 6.5cm (2 3/4in) diameter, circular indent to the base.

Any ideas much apreciated.

[aa]

Almost certainly Glasshouse around mid eighties

[Martyn K]

Thanks Adam...maybe a stupid question but is there somthing particular about it that says "Glasshouse" to you, so I know for future reference. I assume that it would originally have had a label.

[aa]

The nature of the Glasshouse and the composition of its members was such that there was no recognisable Glasshouse style, just a number of disparate styles.
I think these were designed by Annette Meech but they could equally have been designed by Christopher Williams or it might have been a collaboration between them.

So the only way one would know that this is a Glasshouse weight, is by experience and having seen or handled one before.

What does make it interesting, is that while many people at this time were using stannous chloride to irridise the outside surface of their work, it is quite unusual to see it used within the glass like this. It gives a similar appearance to the effect gained by using dichroic glass inclusions.

http://www.sivignonglass.com/index.php3?langue=en this is where you will find them now. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know!

If you are interested in the Glasshouse there is an excellent exhibition on at Contemporary Applied Arts http://www.caa.org.uk/

[Martyn K]

That's excellent Adam...I'll see if I an send them an image for a positive id.

The photo on the CAA website of the old Glasshouse in Covent Garden brings back some memories... during the early 90s we lived in Neal Street. By that time the Glasshouse was just relocating to Islington but can just about remember it on Longacre when we first moved in... Will definately try to stop by CAA to see the exhibition.

Many thanks.

[Martyn K]

Annette has kindly confirmed that you're spot on Adam.... :hiclp: .... it's one she made in the mid 80's and was apparently a popular design. She also added that she stopped using the stannous chloride fairly quiky after they found out it was corroding thier extractor fan! Which maybe goes some way to explain why the technique was'nt more widely adopted?

Thanks again.

[flying free]

I have this one - dated 1990 and signed AM The Glasshouse 3812 in beautiful writing.  As far as I can tell it's all gold.

I worked in Covent Garden through the 80s  (such an exciting place to be in your 20s!) and also remember The Glasshouse

[Greg.]

Very pretty example,  thanks for posting.