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 The famous
and much loved ballet, Swan Lake, conjures up visions of elegant
swans gliding across an enchanted lake. Here, thanks to
collectors Lance and Pat Hilkene, is the Carnival equivalent – a
display of beautiful glass swans in many colors, shimmering with
iridescence.
The magnificent Swan Lake filled with Carnival
Glass swans in many hues.
This amazing photo was taken by Lance Hilkene who tells us that
all but one swan is iridized.
You may click on all of the photos in this article for larger
versions in a new window.
This amazing bevy of swans has taken Lance and Pat fifteen
years of dedicated collecting to assemble. As you can see, there
is an astonishing variety of color in the examples that the
Hilkenes have amassed, the range of shades is almost dazzling.
Near the center you will spot a splendid peach opal example and
other rare colors – true gems nestling together on the lake.
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Swan Lake from above, photo courtesy
Lance Hilkene. |
A more detailed view of the central part
of Swan Lake, photo courtesy Lance Hilkene. |
We asked Lance to tell us something about the makers of these
fabulous creatures – here are his thoughts: “I believe there
were only two makers of the old swans in Carnival Glass. The
Fenton pieces are easy to distinguish by the definitive lines in
the wings. The Dugan wings are more stylized and the wings have
a more random look to them. Now why do I believe that Imperial
did not make old iridized swans? Because when they introduced
their swan line with the I.G. mark the necks of the swans all
have feathers not the dots that appear on the old ones. Fenton
reproduced their swans with the dots on the necks. Also I have
yet to find a feather necked swan unmarked and iridized. I do
have a crystal swan not iridized signed with a D in a diamond.
The feathering is the same as all the rest of the swans except
the Fenton ones. There are minor mould variations in each of
them but this may very well be because of the length of
production over many years for both these companies. If I see an
iridized swan with the iron cross mark I will change my opinion
and include Imperial as one of the makers of old swans.”
A close up view of some of the splendid swans in
the center
of the amazing display – can you spot the fabulous
peach opal example? Photo courtesy Lance Hilkene.
Lance further explained his thoughts regarding Northwood:
“You would think that Harry being so prolific with his trademark
that there would be at least one example of these swans to have
surfaced with the N mark. There seems to be a lot of consensus
thinking that if Dugan made it, so did Northwood. Maybe Harry
Northwood didn't like Swans and just preferred Peacocks, thus
the absence of them in his signed works, although that may be
the reason he didn't trademark his (?) Swans because he didn't
want to be associated with their production. I tend toward the
former explanation and strongly lean toward the premise that
Northwood never produced them.”
The photos tell the story of this Swan Lake far better than
any more words could do. Feast your eyes on the breathtaking
display of Carnival Swans, and study the close ups to view the
many colors. You’ll also see that a few of the swans have flown
up onto some shelves, and are nesting among other “wildlife”.
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Some of the swans flew off to nest
elsewhere! Photo courtesy Lance Hilkene. |
Some swans found their home among other
flowers and fruits (as well as dragons and fish!) Photo
courtesy Lance Hilkene. |
Finally we’d like to leave you with some photos of swans in
their natural settings. Combined and contrasted – the glory of
nature and the skill of man, striving to capture wild beauty in
shimmering glass.
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Mute Swan on King’s Pond in Hampshire.
Photo courtesy of Steve Thistlewood. |
Black Swan at Arundel Wildfowl & Wetlands
Trust, West Sussex. Photo courtesy of Steve Thistlewood. |
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Black Swan at Arundel – a wonderful shot
that shows the bird’s strong feet pushing through the
water. Photo courtesy of Steve Thistlewood. |
A moment frozen in time, as a Mute Swan
flies between photographer and sun. Photo courtesy of
Steve Thistlewood. |
Copyright 2007, Glen & Steve Thistlewood,
Lance & Pat Hilkene and Brian Pitman.
All Rights
Reserved.
Photos are Copyright and Courtesy Lance Hilkene and Steve
Thistlewood, 2007. |
