Mdina Glass Identification Guide + Gallery
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Mdina Glass was founded in the Maltese town of Mdina, in 1968 by Michael Harris and Eric Dobson, a risky venture at the time as Mdina had no history of glass making. However the gamble paid off, and Mdina glass was an instant success. The company produced free formed organic glassware, often in colours inspired from the sea, sand, earth and sky, which proved very popular with tourists in Malta. Vicente Boffo and his son Ettore joined in 1969, having previously worked at Whitefriars. Two other workers at the factory were brothers Joseph Said and Paul Said, who started as trainees. In 1972 Michael left Mdina, and formed a new company, Isle of Wight Studio Glass, on the Isle of Wight in the UK, leaving Eric Dobson in charge of Mdina. Many of the designs created by Michael Harris continued to be made at Mdina Glass after he left, and new designs and patterns were added. In 1981, Paul Said left to form Mtarfa Glass, also in Malta. Eric Dobson sold the Mdina factory to Joseph Said, who was Michael's most skilled apprentice, in 1985. From the mid 1990's, Joesph was joined by his four children, Nevise, Olivia, Pamela and Alan, in various roles. The company is still active today.
Mdina Glass Marks & Labels
"Mdina Glass" paper label. Late 1960's - 1980's.
"Made in Malta" paper pattern label. Late 1960's - 1970's.
"Mdina Glass, Malta" paper label. Approx 1980's - 1990's.
"Mdina Glass, Malta" plastic label. Approx 1990's - present.
Typical early "Mdina" signature.
Unusual "Mdina" signature in capitals.
Later "Mdina" signature.
Early "Mdina Glass, 1975" with Eric Dobson's signature.
Tiger Pattern
The Tiger pattern was introduced in the mid 1970's by Eric Dobson. Later renamed Marble. Reference: Michael Harris: Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass book, page 52.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass cube vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A blue & sandy brown Maltese glass 'Fish' or 'Axe Head' vase in the 'Tiger' pattern. Made by Mdina, signed "Mdina 1978". Probably made by Joseph Said.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass ovoid vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese frosted glass 'Lollipop' vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass squat vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A sandy brown and turquoise blue Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
Tortoiseshell Pattern
The Tortoiseshell pattern was introduced in the mid 1970's.
A speckled brown Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese glass bottle vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese glass bottle vase, by Mdina, labelled. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese textured glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese glass decorative bottle, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese glass decorative bottle, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese glass vase with button rim, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese glass cyclindrical vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
A speckled brown Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tortoiseshell' pattern.
Earthtones / Earth Pattern
The Earthtones pattern was introduced in the mid 1970's. Later renamed Earth. Reference: Michael Harris: Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass book, page 50.
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass perfume bottle, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass ovoid vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass 'side stripe' vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
A brown & sandy Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Earthtones' pattern (later called 'Earth').
Ming Pattern
The Ming pattern was introduced in the mid 1970's, and was in production into the 1990's. Reference: Michael Harris: Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass book, page 50.
A blue & green Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
A blue & green Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
A blue & green Maltese glass vase, made by Eric Dobson for Mdina in 1975, with artists signature and date. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
A blue & green Maltese glass bowl or posy vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
A blue & green Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
A blue & green Maltese glass cylindrical vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
A blue & green Maltese glass bottle vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
A blue & green Maltese glass decorative bottle, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
A blue & green Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Ming' pattern.
Strata Pattern
The Strata range was introduced in 1976, and was only in production for a short time, as it proved to be unpopular. This pattern has also been referred to as Sea and Sand by collectors and dealers. Reference: "Legacy: 50 Years of Mdina Glass" by Mark Warner.
A sandy yellow Maltese glass vase with blue + brown swirls, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Strata' pattern.
A sandy yellow Maltese glass vase with blue + brown swirls, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Strata' pattern.
A sandy yellow Maltese glass vase with blue + brown swirls, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Strata' pattern.
A sandy yellow Maltese glass vase with blue + brown swirls, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Strata' pattern.
A sandy yellow Maltese glass vase with blue + brown swirls, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Strata' pattern.
A sandy yellow Maltese glass decorative bottle with blue + brown swirls, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Strata' pattern.
A sandy yellow Maltese glass squat vase with blue + brown swirls, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Strata' pattern.
A sandy yellow Maltese glass vase with blue + brown swirls, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Strata' pattern.
Crysal Blue Stripe Pattern
The Crysal Blue Stripe pattern was first introduced in the late 1970's, and later reintroduced in 2010. "Crysal" is the name Mdina give to the golden threaded stripes, often referred to by collectors as "crizzle". Reference: "Legacy: 50 Years of Mdina Glass" by Mark Warner.
A stripey blue Maltese glass vase with yellow threads, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Crysal Blue Stripe' pattern.
A stripey blue Maltese glass vase with yellow threads, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Crysal Blue Stripe' pattern.
A stripey blue Maltese glass vase with yellow threads, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Crysal Blue Stripe' pattern.
A stripey blue Maltese glass vase with yellow threads, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Crysal Blue Stripe' pattern.
A stripey blue Maltese glass bowl with yellow threads, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Crysal Blue Stripe' pattern.
A stripey blue Maltese glass vase with yellow threads, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Crysal Blue Stripe' pattern.
A stripey blue Maltese glass bowl with yellow threads, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Crysal Blue Stripe' pattern.
Seascape Pattern
This pattern has the name Seascape on the Mdina website, and is still in production.
A blue, white, brown & black Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Seascape' pattern.
A blue, white, brown & black Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, labelled. Made in the 'Seascape' pattern.
A blue, white, brown & black Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, labelled. Made in the 'Seascape' pattern.
A blue, white, brown & black Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed labelled. Made in the 'Seascape' pattern.
Roman Pattern
This chevron pattern was given the name Roman by Joseph Said. In production since the late 1970's. Reference: Facebook group.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Roman' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Roman' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, labelled. Made in the 'Roman' pattern.
Blue Summer Pattern
This pattern, consisting of a blue base with yellow streaks, is described as Blue Summer in Mark Warner's book on Mdina glass. Often referred to as Sea and Sand by collectors.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass decorative bottle, by Mdina, signed and labelled. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass decorative bottle, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese textured glass decorative bottle, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese textured glass decorative bottle, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass 'Pulled Ear' vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass 'Side Stripe' vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue + green Maltese glass carafe or vase with Maltese cross, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue & yellow green Maltese glass textured vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue & yellow Maltese glass squat vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue & yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A large blue, yellow & clear glass organic 'knot' sculpture, by Mdina, signed to base. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue, yellow & clear glass organic 'knot' sculpture, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue, green & clear glass organic 'knot' sculpture, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue, yellow & clear glass organic 'knot' sculpture, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue, yellow & clear glass organic 'knot' sculpture, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue, yellow & clear glass organic 'knot' sculpture, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue, yellow & clear glass organic 'knot' sculpture, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue, yellow & clear glass organic 'knot' sculpture, by Mdina, unsigned. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
Blue Crizzle Pattern
This pattern was described as Blue Crizzle in a popular Facebook group on Mdina glass, by Raymond Sultana, who worked at Mdina.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, boxed, signed & labelled.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass bowl or vase, by Mdina, labelled.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, unsigned.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, labelled.
A blue + yellow Maltese glass fish sculpture, by Mdina, signed & labelled.
Striped Urn Pattern
This pattern was described as Striped Urn in a popular Facebook group on Mdina glass, by Raymond Sultana, who worked at Mdina.
A blue & brown striped Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed.
A blue & brown striped Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled.
Grey Banded (pattern name unknown)
This pattern, official name unknown, was in production during the late 1980's, according to a comment in a popular Facebook group on Mdina glass, by Raymond Sultana, who worked at Mdina.
A green & grey Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A green & grey Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A green & grey Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A green & grey Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A green & grey Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed.
A pink & grey Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed.
A pink & grey Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed.
A pink & grey Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
Bubbly Blue (pattern name unknown)
A bubbly blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed.
A bubbly blue + yellow Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed.
A bubbly blue + yellow Maltese glass vase with buttom rim, by Mdina, unsigned.
A bubbly blue & yellow Maltese glass textured vase, by Mdina, signed.
A bubbly blue + green 1970's Maltese glass textured bark vase, by Mdina. Unsigned, as were the majority of this textured range.
Ref: Michael Harris: Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass book, page 41.
Cream Speckled (pattern name unknown)
A cream Maltese glass vase with coloured speckles, by Mdina, signed.
A cream Maltese glass vase with coloured speckles, by Mdina, signed.
A cream Maltese glass vase with coloured speckles, by Mdina, signed.
Trailed (pattern name unknown)
This mottled pattern with applied blue or brown rim and trailing, was introduced in the 1980's. Reference: Michael Harris: Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass book, page 53.
A mottled yellow and orange Maltese glass vase with blue trailing and Maltese cross, by Mdina in the 1980's, signed.
A mottled yellow and orange Maltese glass vase with blue trailing and Maltese cross, by Mdina in the 1980's, signed.
An mottled orangey red Maltese glass vase with blue trailing and Maltese cross, by Mdina in the 1980's, signed.
A mottled red Maltese glass bottle with blue trailing and Maltese cross, by Mdina in the 1980's, signed.
A mottled pink Maltese glass vase with blue trailing, by Mdina in the 1980's, unsigned.
A mottled pink Maltese glass vase with blue trailing, by Mdina in the 1980's, signed.
A mottled red Maltese glass vase with blue trailing, by Mdina in the 1980's, signed.
A mottled pink Maltese glass decorative bottle with blue trailing, by Mdina in the 1980's, signed.
Random Strapping (pattern name unknown)
This pattern consists of streaky orangey red with applied blue random strapped trailing. Introduced in the 1980's. Reference: Michael Harris: Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass book, page 53.
An orangey red Maltese glass cylinder vase with blue random strapping, by Mdina, signed.
An orangey red Maltese glass cylinder vase with blue random strapping, by Mdina, signed.
An orangey red Maltese glass bottle vase with blue random strapping, by Mdina, unsigned.
An orangey red Maltese glass vase with blue random strapping, by Mdina, signed.
An orangey red Maltese glass decorative bottle with blue random strapping, by Mdina, signed.
An orangey red Maltese glass vase with blue random strapping, by Mdina, signed.
A brownish red Maltese glass vase with blue random strapping, by Mdina, signed.
An orangey red Maltese glass vase with blue random strapping, by Mdina, signed.
Helter Skelter Strapping (pattern name unknown)
An orange Maltese glass 'Top Hat' vase with thick trailing, by Mdina, unsigned.
A purple & blue Maltese glass 'Top Hat' vase with thick trailing, by Mdina, signed.
A purple & blue Maltese glass 'Helter Skelter' vase with thick trailing, by Mdina, signed.
A purple & blue Maltese glass 'Helter Skelter' vase with thick trailing, by Mdina, signed.
Mdina Glass Animals
A blue & white Maltese glass lovebirds sculpture / paperweight, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A red & clear Maltese glass lovebirds sculpture / paperweight with gold leaf inclusions, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A blue and pale yellow Maltese glass owl paperweight, by Mdina, labelled.
A blue and yellow Maltese glass seahorse sculpture, by Mdina. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue glass elephant sculpture, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A turquoise glass elephant sculpture, by Mdina, signed.
A turquoise glass penguin sculpture, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A blue and yellow Maltese glass fish sculpture, by Mdina, signed.
A blue & clear Maltese glass fish sculpture, with yellow streaks, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
Mdina Glass Paperweights
A green, blue & yellow Maltese glass paperweight, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue and sandy brown Maltese glass egg shaped paperweight, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Tiger' pattern.
A white, blue, yellow + orange speckled Maltese glass paperweight, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A speckled white and yellow Maltese glass mushroom paperweight sculpture, by Mdina, signed to base.
Other Mdina Glass
A pink & white marbled Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A purple & brown Maltese glass 'Naia' sculpture, by Mdina, signed.
A speckled yellow Maltese glass vase with thick blue applied strapping, by Mdina, signed.
A brown and black striped Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A blue, yellow & green Maltese glass cut ice 'Lollipop' vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled.
A blue, yellow & green Maltese glass cut ice 'Lollipop' vase, by Mdina, signed.
A blue & yellow Maltese glass 'Fish' or 'Axe Head' vase, by Mdina, signed. Made in the 'Blue Summer' pattern.
A blue & pink Maltese glass 'Fish' or 'Axe Head' vase, by Mdina, signed.
A blue & yellow Maltese glass squat vase, by Mdina, signed & labelled.
A pink & peach Maltese glass textured vase, by Mdina, signed.
A pink + clear Maltese glass vase, by Mdina, signed.
A green + red Maltese organic glass vase, by Mdina, signed and labelled.
A blue Maltese glass vase, with internal yellow green crizzle pattern, by Mdina, signed.
View more Mdina Glass examples in our Glass Reference Database
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References
For more information on Mdina glass, check out the following resources:
Books
Michael Harris: Mdina Glass and Isle of Wight Studio Glass | ISBN 978-0955286513
Websites
Mdina Glass Catalogue - A catalogue of Mdina glass including pattern numbers, sizes and some pattern names, by Austin, a USA distributer.