Geoffrey Baxter designed the iconic ‘Banjo’ vase in 1967 for James Powell and Sons (Whitefriars Glass). This was a successful, innovative family firm making glass by hand in London from 1834 until 1980. Baxter joined the company in 1954. 

Baxter’s designs were influenced by the modern Scandinavian glass popular during the 1950s and ‘60s. At the same time, he introduced new colours and shapes with a distinctive new look. The ‘Banjo’ vase is a good example, part of the revolutionary, ‘Textured Range’ introduced in 1967. 

The vase was made by blowing glass into a complex mould. Baxter made the first moulds himself at home in his garage!  He experimented with tree bark, coiled wire and other unlikely materials to create the textured surface.  ‘Tangerine’ was a new colour for 1969. Before long, it was Whitefriars’ best seller.

'Banjo' Vase | National Museums Liverpool

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Geoffrey Baxter designed the iconic ‘Banjo’ vase in 1967 for James Powell and Sons (Whitefriars Glass). This was a successful, innovative family firm making glass by hand in London from 1834 until 1980. Baxter joined the company in 1954. Baxter’s designs were influenced by the modern Scandinavian glass popular during the 1950s and ‘60s. At the same time, he introduced new colours and shapes with a distinctive new look. The ‘Banjo’ vase is a good example, part of the revolutionary, ‘Textured Range’ introduced in 1967. The vase was made by blowing glass into a complex mould. Baxter made the first moulds himself at home in his garage! He experimented with tree bark, coiled wire and other unlikely materials to create the textured surface. ‘Tangerine’ was a new colour for 1969. Before long, it was Whitefriars’ best seller.

'Banjo' Vase

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