Whitefriars Glass Identification Guide + Gallery
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James Powell bought a glass factory in 1834, in the Whitefriars area of London, back then the glassworks was called James Powell & Sons. James' three sons, Arthur Powell, Nathanael Powell and John Powell, ran the factory from 1840. Originally the company made stained glass, and scientific and industrial glass. Whitefriars began making glass tableware during the 1860's. in 1875, Nathanael's son, Harry James Powell, joined Whitefriars, and ran the company until 1919 and created many designs. In 1923, the company relocated to a new factory in Middlesex. Designers at Whitefriars during the 20's, 30's and 40's were Arthur Marriott Powell, William Butler, Barnaby Powell, William Wilson, and James Hogan. In 1954 Geoffrey Baxter joined the design team, and launched his very successful textured glass range in 1967, which included bark vases, the banjo vase, and of course the drunken bricklayer vase. The Whitefriars factory closed in 1980.
Sources: 20th Century Factory Glass by Lesley Jackson.
See also:
Whitefriars Glass Catalogues
Whitefriars Glass Colour Guide
Ribbon Trailed & Wave Ribbed
Colours include amethyst, sea green and ruby. Many shapes were produced in ruby only.
A British ruby red glass tumbler vase with wave ribbed pattern. Made by Whitefriars, designed by Marriott Powell around 1930, pattern number 8473.
A British ruby red glass vase with ribbon trail. Made by Whitefriars, designed by Barnaby Powell in 1932, pattern number 8886.
A British sea green glass bowl with ribbon trail. Made by Whitefriars, designed by Barnaby Powell in 1932, pattern number 8901.
A British amethyst purple vase with ribbon trail. Made by Whitefriars, designed by Barnaby Powell in 1935, pattern number 9030.
A British ruby red glass vase with ribbon trail. Made by Whitefriars, pattern number 9296.
A British amethyst purple glass vase with ribbon trail. Made by Whitefriars, pattern number 9297, with blue Whitefriars export label.
A British ruby red glass bowl with ribbon trail. Made by Whitefriars, pattern number 9307.
A British ruby red glass footed vase with wave ribbed pattern. Made by Whitefriars, pattern number 9358.
A British ruby red glass bowl with ribbon trail. Made by Whitefriars, pattern number 9366.
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Reference Websites
For more information on Whitefriars glass, check out the following resources:
www.whitefriars-glass.com
whitefriarsglass.wixsite.com
whitefriars.glass
whitefriarsglasswannabees.blogspot.co.uk