Bark Vase (Geoffrey Baxter design)
Decorative art, studio-style art glass vase • Whitefriars Glass (Powell & Sons); designed by Geoffrey Baxter
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern; Brutalism
Medium & Technique
Turquoise or 'Kingfisher Blue' soda-lime glass; mold-blown technique using timber molds to achieve a textured, organic 'bark' finish
Creation Period
circa 1967-1974
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 15-20 cm in height; cylindrical vertical format
Subject Description
An abstract, cylindrical form featuring a heavy, tactile surface texture mimicking the organic ridges and undulations of tree bark; no representational figures, focused on materiality and light refraction
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the glass appears vibrant with some minor surface wear and typical shelf-wear on the base, though a small impact flake or bruise is visible near the lower textured ridge
Estimated Market Value
$60 - $120 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a private UK collection; typical of British mass-market art glass from the late 1960s with a wide distribution through department stores
Art Historical Significance
A quintessential example of British post-war design; Geoffrey Baxter's 'Textured Range' for Whitefriars revolutionized industrial glassware by introducing Brutalist, organic aesthetics to a domestic audience
Notable Features
Distinctive 'Kingfisher Blue' colorway which is highly collectible; characteristic thick base and irregular 'bark' protrusions that create a unique play of light
Condition Issues
Visible surface abrasions; a small notable chip or internal fracture ('flea bite') on the prominent textured area; potential hard water resonance inside the rim not fully visible
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with tepid water and mild detergent; avoid abrasive scrubbers; display in stable temperature conditions away from high-traffic edges to prevent tipping