Serving tray, Chance Brothers, England. 1950's.

This oval clear glass tray is decorated in the ‘Spiral’ motif released by Chance Brothers in 1955 for their domestic glassware range, ‘Fiestaware’. 

‘Spiral’ symbolises the post-war avant-garde artistic styles expressed between the 1950s - 60s, but also a lift on production restrictions and a leap into manufacturing innovation. The design is simple yet purposefully executed, with the white lines uniformly stopping at the invisible border. 

Chance Brothers and Company was established in 1822 in Smethwick, the West Midlands of England, and quickly became a pioneer of British glassmaking and sustained the region in the trade and identity for over a century. Chance's was responsible for many domestic and international projects, such as the Houses of Parliament, the clock we know as ‘Big Ben’ and ornamental glass in the White House. However, two projects encapsulate Chances as an institution and mavericks that changed the literal course of the 19th Century. Firstly, the rotating beacon in lighthouses. Chances developed reflecting glass panels that would amplify the light, saving countless lives and aiding the seafaring trade. The design of the panels and the Spiral motif are a century apart but echo the same hypnotic pattern with a message of innovation. Secondly, due to their notable quality and name, Chance's was commissioned to produce the glass for the revolutionary architectural masterpiece that was the Crystal Palace. This behemoth of glass and slender iron stood over 990,000 square meters and was completed in six months. 

A rare companion to this serving tray is the brass-coloured steel-framed carriage, a multifunctional addition that takes the decorative object to an easily transported serving piece. 

This early example features the Deffa printed white ‘Spiral’ motif (pre-dating the screen-printed design which followed in the 1970s). Although it may seem like a purely aesthetic choice, the starting point or hole in the pattern is an important technical feature. Without it, the white decoration would form an untidy ‘blob’ and ruin the elegant motif. 

Specifications:

Height (with handle): 13.5cm / Height (tray only): 2cm / Width: 23.5cm / Length: 35.8cm