Pressed Flint Glass (Shire Library)

Pressed flint glass has never been out of production since its introduction at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and vast quantities have been manufactured. This book surveys the development of the processes which transformed glassmaking from a craft into an industry, supplying an expanding consumer market with a wide range of elaborately moulded decorative ware and fittings as well as cheap, serviceable, expendable items. Almost anything which could be made in glass was, from doorknobs to light fittings to plain drinking glasses. Many attractive examples from the great variety of designs are described, illustrated and set in their context. The effects of persistent competition for the British market, particularly from the United States, are examined. Finally, the author offers some advice for collectors in the field, where there are still bargains to be found.

Raymond Notley has a wide knowledge of Victorian and Edwardian decorative and graphic arts, but perhaps it was growing up in Durham surrounded by coal mines and glassworks which first fostered his interest in glass. He is joing owner of the Notley-Lerpiniere collection of glass, which has been exhibited throughout Britain and is now on permanent loan to the Broadfield House Glass Museum, Dudley.