Posted 4 years ago
truthordare
(368 items)
My tongue in cheek article about art glass ashtrays. From my collection, and other collaborators.
"If you are beyond a certain age, you will know what the inspiration for this article’s topic is. The rest may get a surprise at how the humble ashtray, hardly seen today in our non-smoking environment and lifestyle, was an important decorative utilitarian accessory, for a day long habit indulged in from early morning to late night.
Ashtrays were in every room of your home, on every table in the restaurants and bars, or any other public space, including vehicles and public transportation."
Master collector, UK's Graham Cooley, friend and exhibit partner with Mark Hill, who allowed me to use his Czech glass ashtrays, for images, part of his large collection of Mid Century Modern pieces from Czechoslovakia. Mark Hill's books on the subject define what glass objects the glass industry of that time period were typically produced for each created line of the many designers: vases, ashtrays, and small table top planters or jardinieres. I also used some items of my own collection's.
For the Murano examples I had permission to use archived auctions, and internet images, by several dealers. As well as my own.
"The cigarette between the decades of 1950 to 1970, was so ingrained that it was as natural as chewing gum. Most smokers started the day with one, combined with a cuppa during the day, had one after eating, then later in the afternoon with a drink. Till late evening when one more before bedtime, was often the ritual."
Fun post. My Dad smoked from the age of 11 to 67 when he had a quadruple bypass, but once married, was never allowed to smoke in the house. No one was, so there were never ashtrays in my parents' house while I was growing up. I did see them when I went to the yearly family New Years party or occasionally when visiting relatives but don't have vivid memories of any particular ashtrays.
I did smoke cigarettes, cigars and pipes in my 20s-40s but don't recall any fancy ashtrays, except for a large crystal one for cigars which I still have. I think I probably just used anything at hand drinking glasses, soup bowls, potted plants, etc.
Beautiful examples in your images and I'm glad we are left to enjoy symbols of that time. Looking forward with anticipation to your book!
Keramikos, thank you for the fine comment, those orange glass ashtrays were described as by Barbini, Murano.
kwkd, you remember you large pink glass ashtray, I did send the image for the article and gave you a credit. Thanks Kevin for the compliments, and did think to write about all the things smokers used instead of ashtrays....ha ha, but decided not to.
A book? That is a major commitment. Who knows?
The book comment is my attempt at mind control. "Write a book, write a book..." Is there a way to access your article?
Kevin, that was funny, mind control? My mother tried it when I was a teenager, and finally threw up her hands and said, I was like a 6 foot deep brick wall....
The magazine is available on the internet, I'm not supposed to encourage sales here. We can talk.