The Whitefriars Banjo Vase (model 9681) was designed by Geoffrey Baxter in 1966 and made from 1967 to 1973. 

Brought into the saleroom by a Devon antique shop, who had noticed something exceptional about this particular vase, they knew it needed a global audience and turned to us for this service.

We had sold another Banjo vase in kingfisher blue last year for £1250 (=21.6% B.P.), so we knew this would easily make the £1000-1500 estimate we placed on it.

What was unusual about this colour variant is that it never appeared in the Whitefriars catalogue and would not have been available in any shop. Whether it was a special commission or produced for a particular event we do not know, but it is highly likely is that this piece is unique.

After 24 hours of the catalogue being online the price had already risen to £6800 on the-saleroom.com and by Monday morning Easylive Auctions led the bidding at £9300! This is already a World record at more than twice the previous.

Whitefriars origins date back to the early 18th century and was acquired by James Powell in 1834. The most expensive piece of pre 20th century glass by them sold for £13,000 (+B.P.) in 2010 and it looks like this record could be in our sights as well on Tuesday the 8th of April.

I've literally just posted this and now it's upto £10,000!