QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TO THE FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Q. I have found in my attic this rather ugly looking glass vase. It is very heavy glass but there are no marks to identify it. Do you know what it is, when it dates from and does it have any value?

From Mr Hanson, Derbyshire

A. Your vase was produced by the British Whitefriars glass factory who made glass for over 150 years. Your piece date from the 1960’s/1970’s and was designed by Whitefriar’s most celebrated designer, Geoffrey Baxter. The factory name for this range is ‘Textured Hoop’. Pieces are unmarked, but sometimes a small paper label is still present. Whitefriars glass, especially the larger piece by Baxter are increasingly popular with current tastes. Your vase, should fetch well over £500 at auction. Rare colours can fetch even higher sums.

Q. Since I was a child, I have kept all of my Hornby rolling stock and accessories from the 1930’s. Can you tell me anything about the engine shed in my possession?

From Mr Phillips, Staffordshire

A. Your engine shed is made of tinplate with lithograph features. It was the largest and most impressive railway building that Hornby produced between 1928 and 1941. There were two sizes available, yours being the largest. Some even had electrical, light fittings. Depending on condition, box etc auction values range from £150 to £600.

Q. I spotted and picked up this vase at a car boot a few years ago. I would like to sell it but don’t know of its value. I only paid a few pounds for it. I know it is Troika, as it is marked in black on the base.

Mrs Foley, Derbyshire

A. As you know, your vase was produced by the Cornish Troika factory in the 1960’s/1970’s. Auction values for Troika are still holding up well with the larger and rare wall face masks fetching in the thousands of pounds. Your piece is a nice example and will make you a good profit as it would fetch £120-180.