British Glass (others)

Alum Bay (Glass, est. 1972)

Current makers based at the Isle of Wight. Notable creations are Jack-in-Pulpit vases and effects used include iridescent finishes and a swirling, mottled finish similar to that employed by Maltese companies, Mtarfa and Mdina, amongst others.

Caithness (Glass, est. 1961)

Current maker based in Perth, Scotland. Produce a wide range of collectable paperweights and glassware. Some Caithness vases are identifiable by a ribbon inclusion that trails down each side and through the base.

Caithness also produce lilac-coloured glass that contains Neodymium (see Dichroic page).

Dartington (Crystal, est. 1966)

Founded Dartington Glass and then adopted the current name in 1987. Most notable designer was Frank Thrower who was responsible for introducing Swedish glassworkers and the influence can be seen in many of their 1970s production.

David Wall (Tamar Glass, est. 1993)

David Wall was one of the founders of Tamar Glass in 1993 and based in Cornwall. This particular piece is an excellent Studio Art glass vase/jug featuring a deep blue glass with frosted exterior. Signed 'David Wall' on the base and dated 2000.

John Ditchfield (Glasform, est. 1982)

Worked for a number of years at Venetian Glass Company (in Blackpool!), under the guidance of Muranese master, Franco Toffio.

Glass sculptures often identified by iridescent finish. Ditchfield's signature appears on earlier pieces, prior to him forming Glasform.

Guernsey Glass (est. c.1960?)

Not much known, but it is believed their glass was actually made by another company (apparently Mosser?), using moulds owned by Guernsey Glass. Usually marked on the base with an embossed motif.

Were known to produce slag glass and milk glass in the 1960s.

Isle of Wight (Studio Glass, est. 1972)

Founded by Michael Harris after departing Mdina (Malta). Earlier creations were very similar to Mdina and, like Mdina, Harris used the colours of the surroundings in the items.

Langham (est. 1979)

Started up by Paul Miller who was originally an employee at Wedgwood.

Liskeard Glass (1970-78, Studio 1978-83)
Merlin Glass (est. 1983)

Liskeard was founded at the eponymous town in Cornwall and former glassblowers from the former Whitefriars concern were known to join. Some of the designs and creations do carry a strong resemblance to WF, such as the 'knobbly' vases, bowls and dishes. Liskeard glass normally has an embossed 'LG' motif on the base, and is similar in style to that used by the large LG conglomerate in Korea.

Liskeard was eventually bought by Liam Carey in 1983 and renamed Merlin Glass. Known to produce paperweights but also concentrate on high quality door furniture.

Okra (est. 1979)

A Studio Glass company founded by Richard Goldman in Stourbridge. Okra now produce fabulous iridescent glassware with highly imaginative designs that have a passing resemblance to the Art Nouveau period.

Collecting tips

As with all Studio Glass, which some of the above names can be classified, while it can be expensive to purchase it is possible to find items at excellent prices. Much of the time this is due to the seller being unaware of the potential. Look for signatures in particular, and also the high quality of the glass.