Discover rare vintage amber glass at exhibit

By Contributed

Oct 8, 2024

Amber Depression glass single-tier cake stand made by Bagley Glass Co (1871-1975), a leading producer of pressed glass in Britain. Photo by Contributed

Interested in the vintage coloured glassware you’ve seen around and wondering about its origins?

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Know something about it and searching it out?

Or just enjoy beautiful and interesting objects?

Whichever, Merrigum Museum’s new exhibition is for you.

During Seniors Month, Merrigum Museum is mounting its second exhibition of vintage glass, following on from its successful exhibition of green Depression glass held during Seniors Month last year.

Amber-coloured glass, both vintage and depression, is the feature of this year’s display, which includes a number of unusual pieces.

‘Amber glass’ is generally yellow-brown, but the term covers many variations in colour and colour density.

It is produced by adding iron, sulphur and carbon to a basic glass mix.

This fascinating exhibition includes pieces from the early 20th century up to the 1970s, with a concentration on Depression glass and items from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

The pieces emanate from a wide range of manufacturers, including United States, United Kingdom and European makers, and also Australia’s own Crown Crystal Glass.

Formed in 1926, this was the largest and most successful manufacturer of Australian domestic glassware in the last half of the 20th century.

It produced cut, pressed and blown glassware for industrial and household use, including Pyrex, and also made crystal. The company traded as Crown Corning from 1972 to 1988.

Art Deco amber Depression glass vase; a true collector’s item from the period 1920 to 1940. Photo by Contributed

Depression glass is the inexpensive machine-made glassware produced during the period 1929-1939.

Mass-produced, this glassware can be clear, or translucent in shades of pink, amber, yellow, green or blue.

The term, however, is often now used as a catchall that also includes the hand-pressed, more elegant patterns of the period.

Losing popularity as Australia began to recover from the Depression, the glassware has nevertheless remained popular among collectors, and today Depression glass is highly collectable.

A wide range of vintage and Depression amber glass is on display, including everyday utility items and others of a more decorative and ornamental nature.

Amber Depression glass bowl circa 1934 by Austrian company Stoelzle, possibly produced in the company’s Czechoslovakian factory. Pattern known as ‘Artichoke’ or ‘Peacock feather', with frilled top edge and tab/wing handles. Photo by Contributed

Come and enjoy a visual feast.

The exhibit is at Merrigum Museum, 111-113 Waverley Ave, Merrigum, on Sunday, October 13, from 10am to 2pm; Sunday, October 20, from 9am to 2pm (concurrent with Wheels at the Gum); Sunday, November 10, from 10am to 2pm; or by appointment from October 14 to October 31. Inquiries to 0427 585 599 or 0428 552 370. Groups and individuals welcome. Entry is $5 for adults and $2 for children.