Aperitif Glass c. 1920

Editor: This is "Aperitif Glass," dating back to around 1920, its maker unknown. What immediately strikes me is how delicate and almost ethereal the glasswork appears. How does this piece speak to you? Curator: Well, it whispers of bubbly cocktails and hushed conversations doesn’t it? Looking at it, I think of champagne wishes and art deco dreams. Notice the ornate, almost baroque detail where the stem meets the glass itself - feels a bit unexpected, doesn’t it? It’s a subtle indulgence, this piece. What do you make of the material itself, and what it means in art? Editor: The fragility of glass always impresses me. I imagine this piece held carefully, signifying luxury and perhaps the transience of beautiful things. Curator: Exactly. It’s the kind of object that holds stories – parties, toasts, maybe a little intrigue. It makes me think about the role objects play in our memories. Does it give you a feeling for the cultural backdrop to the piece at all? Editor: Perhaps the optimism after the First World War and a renewed focus on craftsmanship and design? Curator: I'd say that’s spot on! I always see how something seemingly so small and personal as a drinking glass can encapsulate such significant historical and cultural shifts. So much more than a drinking vessel, don’t you agree? Editor: Absolutely. It's like a tiny time capsule! I will certainly look closer at everyday objects from now on. Curator: Me too! Now I’m wanting an aperitif... perhaps we’ll research *that* for our next podcast.