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Latest
Newsletter Hello Fellow Glass Enthusiasts & Members of the now lapsed I.of
W. Studio Glass Collectors Club
It has been gratifying to say the least to see how many collectors
have wanted to be a part of this country’s rich heritage in the form of Isle of Wight Studio Glass and in particular
of course, as part of the Harris Dynasty, Timothy Harris’ fabulous glass. So many of you have invested in what I have always recognised, (perhaps debatably, but not in my book) as the most innovative
and prolific maker of Studio Glass this country has ever seen. A movement ostensibly started by his father Michael
but taken to some unbelievable heights by Tim and he is still only just over 50 (yes it’s true – still a mere
chicken – but all things are relative!). This will not end
but is more likely to go to even greater heights. The current situation is merely a change. Rest assured we are in for exciting
developments. All is moving well in that direction. Within this letter we have
several sections. However, as we are at the moment more involved with the changes on the Isle of Wight this will be the main
gist apart from items we have for your delectation in the form of our usual ‘gems’ saved especially for this newsletter.
Images shown further on. Now, primarily for those who still may
be thinking about treating themselves I think it is worth pointing out that when Tim is back in production again ( as certain
as the sun rises in the East!) he will not be making what has always been known as ‘production ranges’. In other
words the many shapes and sizes which went to make up a ‘collection’ i.e. a paperweight, a couple of perfume bottles,
several sizes in vases etc and more often in several colours too. The reason for pointing this out is that if there is something
you desire on our dedicated IOWSG page of current items on sale at the studio, now is the time to look seriously and hopefully
treat yourself. In the next phase Tim will be making individual pieces which can more accurately be described as ‘Art
Glass’.There is no doubt he will be looking at past and recent past designs for inspiration as well as designing innovative
new pieces. So as the cheesy advertising slogan goes ‘Buy now, while stocks last!’ We
have just loaded onto the dedicated page further items of the remaining available stock (click here ~ http://www.artiusglass.co.uk/id53.html ) some of which seem to have languished in the far corners of store rooms and
outhouses at the studio. Finding them has been quite a revelation! What
follows is a family issued ‘press release’ which we are sure you will find interesting ~ Isle of Wight Studio Glass – An Update/Press release. Many of you, if not all by now, will know that Isle of Wight Studio Glass unfortunately had no option but to
go into liquidation in January of this year. Many of us feared that this might mark the end of 40 years of innovative glassmaking
from this renowned studio, but events are proving otherwise. The founder Michael Harris’s younger brother, Richard Harris,
has stepped in and acquired almost all the assets of the company, including the name. Richard wanted to ensure that the studio
tradition stayed within the family, and that Timothy Harris would have the resources he needed to continue to exercise his
prodigious talent as a glassmaker. After several
weeks of intensive discussion, Timothy and Richard have decided to stay in partnership together, with Timothy as the creative
energy and master craftsman, and Richard running the company and keeping it on a sound financial footing. As Richard says:
“Although I know very little about glass, as a child I watched my elder brother’s career unfold from his art school
days. I have a great affection and reverence for the medium of glass and for the extraordinary gift that Michael had, a gift
that has passed to each of his sons, Timothy and Jonathan. It is a great privilege to have this opportunity to become involved
in the family glassmaking tradition. As a kid, even though I sometimes wanted to, I knew that I could never become an artist
like my brother - I simply couldn’t compete! So I had to do something completely different and became a doctor. Hopefully
if I can run chunks of a teaching hospital I can probably manage a glass studio, but time will tell!" Timothy and Richard have decided that the new company, Isle of Wight Studio
Glass (2013) Ltd (the 2013 will be dropped when the liquidation of the old company is complete), needs a new home for the
studio. The current location at Old Park, whilst picturesque, is not ideal, being off the beaten track for visitors and expensive
to maintain, and a number of alternatives are being considered. Currently, Timothy and Richard, ably assisted by cousin David
Heathcock, are moving the plant, equipment and the remaining stock out of Old Park and mothballing it for the time being.
This has been a backbreaking and sometimes sad task, but progress has been good and the time has allowed everyone to reflect
on a way forward. What sort of glass will be made in the new
studio? Whilst feeling sad about the end of a chapter, Timothy regards the turn of events as an opportunity to start afresh.
As he says: “I feel that the new configuration will allow me the freedom and opportunity to pay homage to what was but
also to develop in exciting new creative directions” Tim has also welcomed back Ron
Wheeler who retired as Studio Sales Director a couple of years ago but has returned to be involved in sales and marketing
and in particular with the currently discontinued Studio Collectors Club. His long experience in sales and product knowledge
will greatly enhance the teams strength.
 Glory Hole (aka reheating furnace) moving  Tim & Cousin David – Furnace removal 
NOTHING comes small or light in the glass making business!
Isle
of Wight Studio Glass Collectors Club Membership (The following is not applicable to Artius Glass members) Primarily this information is for those receiving this newsletter who were solely members of the I.of W. Studio Glass
collectors club so ably run by David Tolley, as you all will know. His computer skills were far in advance of my humble efforts
but I hope you can overlook that since the aim is much the same. I
am not sure exactly how David used to keep records on Renewal Dates for members. So all we can now do is ask when your membership
becomes due to please advise us and renew as Artius Glass Privileged Collectors Group members . Dates should be on your IoW.S.G
club membership card. Renewal will once again give you full benefits as published by Artius Glass. At the moment none
of your enhanced benefits such as discounts and free p&p apply as we have not had the benefit of a subscription (even
though you are getting this letter) You may recall though that Tim IS
honouring vouchers which have been issued up to the date of liquidation. You are welcome to use them by advising us or the
Studio in the course of, say, a purchase. To help I have sent around this link for membership (click here for link to application
form http://www.artiusglass.co.uk/id32.html) and I will enclose a hard copy for those not on email. And
now ~ some ‘gems’ for sale (all via Artius Glass ONLY)
1. Liberty of London Peacock
Feathers tall cylinder vase  Made in a special collaboration with the esteemed Liberty of London in their exclusive pattern. It ran
for a limited period in the early 90’s and did not sell in great volume. This makes examples extremely hard to
find. Made in a unique glass making process which I am not aware of any other glass maker using. It had limitless possiblities
across several other design ranges and was conceived by Jonathan Harris. See pages 116~117 of the book by Mark Hill ‘Michael
Harris-Mdina Glass & Isle of Wight Studio Glass’. As a matter of
interest this book has now sold out and the last three which came up on eBay sold at £105, £107 & £108
respectively. We have now managed to obtain 3 copies all signed by Mark, Tim, Liz and myself! They
are for sale! Description: Isle of Wight
Studio Glass 'Liberty~Peacock Feathers' Vase Maker : Isle
of Wight Studio Glass
Size: 24.5cm (9.75") high x 5cm (2") wide Date: c1990 ~’93 I.D. Marks: None Condition : Excellent Price:SOLD 2. Isle
of Wight Studio Glass 'Four Seasons' Vase
 This is the largest
in the series of 4 sizes in this quirky range from the studio. Consequently very short lived and rarely sold in the massive
size. So a nice scarcity now. A collectors gem in fact. See Mark Hill’s book
if you are lucky enough to have one (we still have 3 copies for sale of this first and only edition ‘FULLY SIGNED’
by Mark, Tim, Liz and me. See above – just rubbing it in!). Description: Isle of Wight Studio Glass 'Four
Seasons-Spring' Vase Maker : Isle of Wight
Studio Glass (Claire Rainbow design)
Size: 21.5cm (8.5") high x 18cm (7") wide (Giant/Ex.Large Date: 1981-82 I.D. Marks: None Condition : Excellent Price: SOLD 4. Jonathan Harris Silver Cameo Trial ‘Tulips’
 Another of Jonathan’s very special gems from his early period. His designs have now reached worldwide recognition as part of the ‘Harris Dynasty’ and rightly so. Who
could dispute it. None in our opinion. Description: Jonathan Harris Silver Cameo Trial ‘Tulips’ Maker
:Jonathan Harris
Size: 19.5cm (7.75") high x 14cm (5.5") wide x 9cm (3.5”) deep Date: 2002 I.D. Marks: Signed 'Jonathan Harris’ Ironbridge
2004 Silver cameo ‘Trial’ Condition : Excellent Price: SOLD 4. Okra ‘Mosaic’ squat vase
 A visually striking design by Richard Golding. Red is one of the
most problematic of all glass colour minerals due to its propensity to be sensitive to overheating which cases it to often
burn out to a muddy brown . This is a very accomplished example utilising this seldom found colour. Description: Okra Studio Glass 'Mosaic' squat vase Maker : Okra Studio Glass by Ray Foster. Designed by Richard Golding during Moorcroft ownership
Size: 14.5cm (5.75") high x 12cm (4.75")
wide Date: c1998 I.D. Marks: Okra. R.F.(Ray Foster) + year date mark
for 1998 Condition : Excellent Price: £145.00 (Less
Privileged Collectors Group disc @ 12.5% + free p&p ~ to members only) I. of W. Studio Glass Closing Down Stock for Sale I reiterate ~ there are still many gems available on the dedicated page of Studio Closing Down Sale stock on our
website (http://www.artiusglass.co.uk/id53.html as above). These can be ordered from us or direct from the
Studio even though they are only shown on our website as the Studio Website is no longer live. Contact details for the Studio are now ~ Tim Harris on 01983 853526 or tim@isleofwightstudioglass.co.uk however if you cannot raise anyone you are welcome to contact us and we
will see to your enquiry All for now, As ever, our very
best regards, Ron & Ann Finally - as usual -
please make contact by any of the following ~ Phone or text :
07860 822666 mobile (best method) or 01458 443694 land line(includes messaging service). Please remember to check our fair dates on the website www.ArtiusGlass.co.uk but if you are going to email we can now pick these up on our Blackberry
even though we may be staying away for a fair. Email :
Wheeler.Ron@talktalk.net n.b. The Artius Glass Newsletters are only sent to individuals on a subscriber request basis. Should you wish to be removed from our list please send an email with the word 'UNSUBSCRIBE'
in the 'Subject' line and we will remove your name from any future mailings. If,
however, you would like anyone you know to also receive them please advise us of their email address or add it to the live
window on the 'Home Page' of the website The contents of this letter
are subject to International Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights of Artius Glass. They must not be reproduced without
the express permission of the authors (c) Artius Glass
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