What is all this pulled stuff around the base, where did that style come from? A historical moment in pre-industrialization, a style of factory blown glass from south Jersey in the early 1900's, characterized by a “lily pad” design around the base, with a spiral wrap at the top, often blown to form the standard functional glassware of the time, pitchers, cups, vases etc. offhand shaped using the basic glassblowers bench tools. Later giving way to the needs of business and industry, mold blowing is introduced and increased productivity achieved, then on to automated machines blowing bottles and etc. If it wasn’t for the antiques saved by collectors, those decorative offhand styles might’ve been lost.
While working in factory glassblowing myself, I came upon pictures of these past works and set upon to refining the techniques, firstly focusing on the “lily pad” pattern around the base. I have now moved onto the spiral thread trailed down from the lip. I have always found this style to lend itself perfectly towards my desired organic shapes while also offering it’s smooth textures, adding surface interest. Now with the addition of the lip spiral, it not only completes the form perfectly, but also provides an even more assured grip in a relaxed hand.
Fascinating insights into the development of both the art and the industry. Gives me an urge to pay overdue attention to some of the glassware passed on from Grandma.