Michael Harris, Isle of Wight Studio Glass

Michael Harris signature and label on an Isle of Wight glass paperweight.

Some pieces of IOW I have sold in past or still own - all with labels

Started by Michael Harris in 1972 after leaving Mdina.

A turquoise Azurene globe vase 1986-87

Hi Pip your pieces of I.O.W are gorgeous. I have just purchased a piece of glass from I.O.W and I love it, Ron Wheeler packed it up for me and it arrived safe and sound here in the Algarve Portugal. It is very impressive at 38cm tall and weighs a ton lol.

My little IoW perfume bottle, from a local charity shop.

Greenberry, from their Summer Fruits collection:



And one from their Victorian range: (another charity shop find).




What I really want, though, is an IoW Aurene vase - a cheap one.

Very pretty, love em

xx

         
is it possible to date this tortoiseshell bowl?
1970s but are there models which can be identified by year if looking at the form?

The flame pontil mark dates it 1974-79, while the label dates it to late 1970s, so probably 1978-79, although I have seen bowls with that shape (but different colour) listed as mid 70s, so on shape alone, no, I don't think you can narrow down the date.

http://iowstudioglass.wikidot.com/labels

The shape is sometimes called Elephant foot (slight bulge towards base), quite subtle and very nice. Aurene can be found in this shape but I can not remember seeing any other colours.

One addition re dating, Tortoiseshell was made until 1982 and these later items would still have had a flame mark applied even though the flame mark was not used on other ranges. Would agree with late(ish) seventies for this one though.

In the past I wondered if you could attempt to date Tortoiseshell from the variation in the colours used, some times the browns are darker and the yellows creamier. I gave up on that notion...

John

thanks to both of you...

tortoiseshell bottle type vase, signed on the base by Michael Harris

Hi

An interesting rim and zig zag pattern small 3.5 cm high glass vase or ink well. No makers mark or label.

IOW ?

IoW glass did do a zig zag pattern, as well as Mdina or Matarfa, but I haven't seen any with a collar round the rim and button on the pontil.

Yes I made a note of capturing the folded tight rim, it is rather interesting

It is Isle of Wight Studio Glass, Jazz, around 1992/3.

http://iowstudioglass.wikidot.com/jazz

D'oh. I've seen Jazz. It was the collar that made me dismiss it.   

Defo ID, many thanks

Quite a departure from the Studio's reliance on flower inspired designs, it is called Jazz after all, no wonder there was some variation and improvisation...

Hi Chaps

I understand these paper labels were used in the mid 1970's. A little pen holding paperweight about 6 cm high, 5.5 cm wide and 4 cm front to back.

Yes mid to late 70s I expect, the exact dates were not recorded so there is a bit of guesswork involved. There is a similar label which just says Hand made Isle of Wight, it is assumed that that one is a bit earlier, perhaps 1973 and maybe 74.

The colours used in these blocks were varied and do not conform to the 'standard ranges' like tortoiseshell or pink and blue swirls. The same is true of the lollipop vases and paperweights made around the same time.

This lollipop looks to have a similar mix of colours: https://picasaweb.google.com/Johnmj100/IsleOfWightStudioGlass#5433683056734842482

John

Cheers John

Michael Harris, Isle of Wight

Hi

Well this is a piece and a half. Approx 8 inches high and 8 inches across with swirls and speckle finish. FLame mark in pontil and original label. Mild irridescent shine on sections and rounded rim.

Just a really impressive piece.

I'm sooooooo jealous. Love it