Paperweights and Other Glass Curiosities by E. M. Elville lands on the |> SALE <| shelves in my shop.
Spring Books, 1968, Hardback in dust wrapper.
3rd impression. [First Edition: Country Life, 1954] Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Colour frontispiece;
From the cover: Paperweights, those enchanting and exquisitely fashioned glass objects which the Victorians enjoyed at the cost of a few shillings, are nowadays regarded as collectors items. In recent years, the rarer and more elaborate examples have changed hands in salerooms at prices well over the three-figure and occasionally four-figure mark.
Mr. Elville, author of English Tableglass and English and Irish Cut Glass, here provides a concise review of the history of paperweights and the technique of their manufacture, illustrating his text with some of the finest specimens of this very specialised craft. He rightly devotes much attention to the superb weights which come from the famous French factories of Baccarat, St. Louis and Clichy and traces the development of paperweight manufacture in England down to the present day. His classifications and descriptions of the different types of weights millefiori, flower weights, rare subject weights, overlays, magnums and miniatures are of the greatest value for all serious collectors.
Under the term curiosities and occupying the latter half of his fascinating book, Mr. Elville groups such collectors items as glass clock lamps, candlesticks, candelabras, sconces, mirrors and drinking glasses, especially from the eighteenth century; and he rounds the book off with interesting miscellaneous items such as fingerbowls, jelly-glasses, marbles and coloured vase lustres.
The book was enthusiastically reviewed when first published and now, thanks to the authors clearly presented and attractively illustrated survey, an even wider circle of readers will gain access to a little-known but most rewarding corner of the collectors world.
Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper.
Red boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. 116 pages. Index. Bibliography. 10″ x 6¼”.
This book will be eventually reach my delightful website…(added to my Antiques & Collecting Glass category.) but get 60% off buying from this very blog blog… Buy it now for just £2.60 + P&P! Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!
BookLovers of Bath 