One need only take a short trip to Spain or Morocco to witness the impact the Muslim world has had on the art and architecture of Europe, Africa, as well as the rest of the world. Islamic art is known for its intricate patterns, opulent materials, and complex motifs, all of which coalesce to create a […]
Islamic Glass Art: A Light in Dark Times Continue Reading »
The phrase ‘Depression Glass’ is often treated as an umbrella term, a catch-all definition used by collectors somewhat indiscriminately to describe a type of inexpensive glass (either clear or coloured) that was manufactured in large quantities; primarily during the 1920s and early 1930s (though various forms were made over the decades that followed as well).
Depression Glass: Vintage Americana Continue Reading »
Far too many of the great glass houses of yore have been lost to us (or exist now only in a much reduced capacity), with even giants like Waterford Wedgwood stumbling into receivership, owing to the global recession that occurred in the early 2000s. As such, the existence of an enduring success story within the
Dartington Glass: A Cinderella Story Continue Reading »
Glass is everywhere in modern life, but rarely do we spend time actually thinking about what we use it for. It lets light into our homes, it is used to store food, and occasionally we’ll use it to hold some flowers. But glass has a lot more to offer than that. You can use glass
Top Ways To Use Glass In Your Home Continue Reading »
The holiday season is defined by shimmering reflections and refractions; light glowing softly from strung bulbs, dancing through bubbly liquid as it swirls within the crystal, and shimmering off of colourful ornaments strewn about our homes and offices. At no other time of the year is the aesthetic influence of glass on our lives so
The history of glass making is as ancient as it is rich; it has been estimated that the first man-made glass was formed around 3000BC. Since these times, the basic formula for glass; using sand, lime, and plant ash may not have changed, but the techniques for forming it have been constantly evolving. Modern glass
Blown Glass Gifts: An Age Old Tradition Continue Reading »
They say people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Well, the only thing people who live in these fine houses will be throwing is endless parties. The houses below are real marvels of glass architecture from across the globe. True exemplars of how glass can bring a lot more to the design than
Glass Architecture Continue Reading »
La Belle Époque, French for ‘Beautiful Era’ began in 1871 – in line with the Third French Republic the year before – and came to an end at the beginning of World War I. After the bitterness of France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War came a time of peace and prosperity, and also of great
La Belle Époque – The Beautiful Era Continue Reading »
We humans love surprises, secrets, the mystique of hidden treasure and sudden delights to the senses; it is little wonder, then, that the miniature and wearable perfume bottles of old hold such thrill and fascination for their collectors. While many of those heavily invested in collecting antique perfume bottles focus on the large (and obviously
The Intimate History of Miniature Perfume Bottles Continue Reading »
When searching for the ultimate gift for the special lady in your life, you need to think like she does and choose what she would choose. Chocolates, flowers, and clothes are out of the question; chocolates may make her pile in the pounds, flowers will fade away, and clothes may not fit her or she
Why Designer Perfume Bottles Make The Ultimate Gift Continue Reading »