William Manson Snr.
Scottish paperweight artist and glassmaker
William Manson was apprenticed to Paul Ysart at Caithness Glass towards the end of the 1960’s. When Paul left Caithness in 1971 to set up his studio at Harland, William joined him in the new business. After Harland failed, 1974, he returned to Caithness where he stayed until setting up William Manson Paperweights Studio in 1997. From his studio now based in Perth, William and his family continue to make limited edition paperweights which are regarded as amongst the best now being made in Scotland. His signature cane is ‘WM’.
The glassware he produces is etched ‘Manart’ on the base. It can also carry his round paper label “William Manson Scotland”.
“Ysart” style vases by William Manson and his son.
William Manson, while primarily a paperweight artist is also making glassware in the tradition of the Ysart family. The examples here illustrates how he has brought this style up to date with a modern approach to the additional colour decoration. The first piece is 5 ½" 140mm high. Both bear an acid etched mark ‘Manart’ and a round paper label.
The second piece is by his son - Signature shown.
Rattlesnake paperweight
by William Manson.
2 7/8 inches in diameter, 2 ¼ inches high. WM cane and a date cane for 1979. Polished flat base.
Contact Details 2008
William Manson eBay auctions
eBay users can send e-mails.
William Manson Snr,
Wellhill Farmhouse
Dunning, Perth
Scotland PH2-OQG
Phone: +44 1764 684 209
Shark paperweight
by William Manson.
2 7/8 inches in diameter, 2 ¼ inches high. WM cane and a date cane for 1979. Number 3 /150 limited edition. Polished flat base.
Base of the shark paperweight.
References
- Paperweights from Great Britain, John Simmonds
- Article "Diamond's little gem", Sottish Sunday Mail Magazine c1996-98
- William Manson website, (discontinued)