A very rare early 1970s Caithness Glass ‘Knobbly Oban’ vase or lampbase

Description

You really don’t see these very often - at all. These knobbly forms were never shown in any Caithness Glass catalogues and were not officially part of the ‘Oban’ range designed by Charles Orr around 1969. They were most likely to have been an experimental range produced in response to the popular Knobbly ranges made by Whitefriars and Liskeard Glass. It may have been a suggestion from the manager of the Oban range, Ken Wainwright, who had produced similar pieces when studying at the Edinburgh College of Art.

The knobbles were made by pushing the end of a small pipe into the surface of the body, which was then swung out, using gravity to elongate the form, and so create the oval knobbles. The coloured internal stripes, which identify it as part of the Oban range, were devised by paperweight-making legend Paul Ysart around 1968.

The optical effects given by the reflective interaction between the knobbles and the coloured stripes is amazing, especially when you move around the piece. A wonderful, weighty and chunky period design.

26.5cm high, 10.5cm widest

Condition
Excellent, undamaged original vintage condition.

Shipping
Postage and packing is free within the UK. If you live outside the UK, please contact me to obtain a shipping quote. I pack and ship at cost, and do not make any money from this service. Items are sent via Royal Mail signed and tracked services, but I am happy to use another service at your request.