In 1867, George Davidson established the Teams Flint Glass Works at Gateshead. They soon became known for their high quality pressed glassware and for the next 120 years produced millions of items, which were sold worldwide. In the 1950s and 1960s, Davidson’s produced modern ‘organic’ forms of glassware. The glassmakers themselves were encouraged, by a small payment, to produce new best-selling designs. These designs needed to be easy to make, and followed fashions set by other glassware firms. In 1966, Davidson’s was taken over by Abraham’s, a Birmingham electro-plating company. Cheap imports and high costs forced the Works to close in 1987.
‘Cloud’ glass bowl, about 1932, George Davidson & Company (1867-1966)
Glass
Purchased, 1988.
One of Davidson’s most famous products was Cloud glass, which was introduced in 1923. To make Cloud glass, light coloured semi-molten glass was first put in the mould. Then, trails of darker-coloured semi-molten glass were added. The ‘plunger’ mould would be lowered and raised, mixing the two glasses and producing cloud-like trails spread randomly through the piece. The first cloud colour was purple (1923), followed by blue (1925), amber (by 1929) and green (by 1934). Less popular colours were the red ‘Ora’ (1929) and orange (1934).
‘Ripple’ vase, about 1940, designed by W.J.G. Fullerton for George Davidson & Company (1867-1966)
Glass
Purchased, 1988.
The 'Ripple' was designed by W.J.G Fullerton. Like many of Davidson's designs the ripple appears in many different colours and was adapted to decorate other forms including bowls and jugs. W.J.G Fullerton was the only specialist designer employed by Davidson's. Working for Davidson's between 1939-1947, he produced a number of popular designs. In addition to the 'Ripple' these include the 'Fan Vase' and the circular 'Norman' pattern, named after Norman Archer, a popular production manager at the Works.
‘Jade’ glass bowl and plinth, about 1931, George Davidson & Company (1867-1966)
Glass
Purchased, 1988.
This striking bowl was chosen by Davidson's to advertise their exhibition stand at the British Industries Fair in 1931. The jet black stand complements the elegant simplicity of the jade glass bowl. Whilst the basic shape of a pressed glass object is formed by moulding, it can be further modelled after pressing, enabling a variety of shapes to originate from a single mould. Similar versions of this basic bowl shape but without a turned lip exist made from the same style mould.