CHRISTOPHER DRESSER (1834-1904) AND GEORGE WALTON (1867-1933) FOR JAMES COUPER AND SONS, GLASGOW
GROUP OF FOUR 'CLUTHA' GLASS VESSELS, CIRCA 1890
£2,500
Auction: Day One: 02 November 2020 | From 10:00
Description
comprising a THREE-HANDLED VASE, with applied spiralling neck and bulbous body, 21.5cm high; a TALL OVOID VASE, with tapering and knopped neck, 19cm high; a BOTTLE VASE, 12.5cm high; and a DOUBLE GOURD VASE, by George Walton, 11cm high, each with aventurine and milky trailed inclusions
Footnote
Literature: see The John Scott Collection Volume 5, Truth, Beauty, Power: The Designs of Christopher Dresser, The Fine Art Society, 2014, nos. 201, 197
Note: It is thought that Dresser first became acquainted with James Coupar & Sons following their production of St. Mungo glass. Its affinity with early Venetian and Roman glass resonated well with Dresser’s own interests in glassmaking; he admired the organically formed shapes and naturally coloured tints, which led him to further investigate the technical aspects of glass-blowing. He believed that “glass was capable of assuming the most delicate of shades” and in applying the principles of traditional glass-blowing techniques a harmonious effect could be produced.
Following suit, Dresser’s designs for Clutha are defined by daring use of colour and an array of mesmerising shapes. Typified by hues of pale green, Dresser experimented further with various colours and shades and began to incorporate aventurine inclusions – a direct influence of those early glasswares which fascinated him.
Dresser designed for James Couper & Sons until the mid-1890s and was followed by George Walton as a designer. Production ceased shortly after 1900.