The Isle of White Glass studio was established by the celebrated glass maker Michael Harris in 1972 after he left his first glassworks based in Malta, the well known Mdina Glass. Some of the Mdina designs continued to be made in his new location but new ranges were introduced as well of which this is an example, dating to the mid 1990s and designed and created by Timothy and Jonathan Harris, sons of the glasswork’s founder who died in 1994. It is called the ‘Woodland’ pattern and the firm’s archives date it fairly securely to between 1994 and 1996, different colourways being made at different times and this one, called ‘Silver Birch’, apparently produced in 1995-1996.

The pieces made by Isle of Wight Glass are a continuation of the innovative designs and skilful craftsmanship seen in Mdina pieces and this vase is a fine example of their work with an ingenious and highly detailed range of decoration which partly anticipates some of the designs produced by Jonathan Harris when he set up his own studio.