Whitefriars Glass #9688 Baxter Ruby Red Glass Textured Bark Bowl with Original Label

A Beautiful Ruby Red & Clear Glass "Bark" bowl, from the textured range designed by Geoffrey Baxter for the renowned British firm Whitefriars, pattern number 9688. Shown in catalogues 1967 - 1980.

Made from Ruby Red Crystal cased or enclosed in Clear Crystal which Whitefriars refer to as "Flint"

Measures approx. 5cm high x 13cm in diameter.

Having entered the Guildford School of Art aged 14, British glass designer Geoffrey Baxter had already shown considerable potential before his progress was abruptly halted by the advent of WWII, during which he briefly served in the RAF. Amongst the fevered efforts to rebuild Britain and the push towards modernism encapsulated by such proceedings as the Festival of Britain, Baxter picked up his studies with a place in the newly established Department of Industrial Glass within the Royal College of Art, excelling to such an extent that he was immediately hired upon graduation by William Wilson of the storied glass firm Whitefriars.

This proved to be a masterstroke for a company striving to be at the forefront of glass design in Britain, indeed Baxter was their first ‘outside’ hire following their founding in the 19th century as James Powell & Sons. A new range of organic forms in stylish blue and green colourways was soon released displaying a marked Scandinavian influence – however, Baxter soon imposed his own unique vision on the factory’s output, creating a series of wares known as the “Textured” range in 1967 which would cement his legacy as a visionary in glass.

In excellent condition with no chips or cracks, please see pictures for detail.