Product reviewsLocke Art Glass : A Guide for Collectors with Photographic Illustrations of 190 Examples by Jane T. Locke and Joseph H. Locke (1987, Trade Paperback)

Good information on Joseph Locke but poor images of his work.

This is a reproduction of black-and-white photographs in the sales catalog used by Joseph Locke in 1905-06 along with additional biographical information and several pages devoted to the Locke Art Glass Company.

When I purchased this guide, I thought the book would cover etched glass patterns of the Victorian era, and did not realize it focused on a single art glass company. I was momentarily disappointed. But the historical data on Joseph Locke, his designs and processes quickly compensated for my disappointment.

This is written by a descendant of Locke, which adds to the personality of the guide. At the start, the author tells the reader to expect less than perfect photographic reproductions - a detail that is necessary. Most of the photos are one dimensional images of intricate etched glass patterns. In many, the stems are difficult to see and the etched patterns have a significant loss of detail. These deficiencies reduce the possibility of using this as a identification guide for collectors.

Overall, this is less a collectors guide and more a historical record of Joseph Locke, who arrived in the States from England at the age of 36 and worked for Drummond Libbey from 1882-1891. During this time, Locke was responsible for developing manufacturing processes for Amberina, Wild Rose (Peachblow), Pomona, Agata and Maize.

Locke left Libbey and worked for United States Glass Company before opening his Locke Art Glassware Company in 1898 at the age of 52. His work reflected the acid etching process he had refined in prior years. He continued producing etched pieces as late as 1927, earning a reputation as a master etcher. He died in 1936.Read full review...