Okra Glass Paperweight – 1982 by Richard Golding

Okra Glass Paperweight – 1982 Purply Ruby Studio Art Glass by Richard Golding

This Okra Glass Paperweight is a captivating piece of handcrafted British art glass. Made in 1982 by celebrated glassmaker Richard Golding, it features the etched code N30 82 C214 on the base and retains its original Okra Studio Glass label — an authentic mark collectors love to see.

Purply Ruby Glow and Captivating Design

At the centre lies a glowing purply ruby core, wrapped in elegant white ribbons and dotted with perfectly formed controlled air bubbles. The glass plays beautifully with light, revealing a mix of violet and crimson hues that shift with every angle. When placed in sunlight, the colour deepens and glows from within, creating a mesmerising focal point.

The Story of Okra Studio Glass

Founded in 1979 in Stourbridge, Okra Studio Glass quickly earned recognition for its craftsmanship and innovation. Under Richard Goldings’s creative direction, the studio revived traditional glassmaking with a modern twist, blending Venetian techniques with bold, experimental colourwork. By the late 1990s, Moorcroft had acquired the brand, ensuring the Okra name continued within British glass history.

Why Collectors Admire Okra Paperweights

Collectors value Okra paperweights for their artistry, precision, and distinctive colour layering. Each piece feels alive with movement and personality. The etched numbering on this example adds provenance, while the original label enhances its collectable appeal. Its purply ruby colour, paired with Okra’s signature craftsmanship, makes this a standout piece in any glass collection.

Condition and Details

This Okra Glass Paperweight remains in excellent vintage condition, showing only light surface wear to the base from display. It measures 6.5 cm high, 7 cm wide, and weighs 418 grams.

Why You’ll Love It

Display it near a window or spotlight it in a cabinet, the effect is enchanting. The purply ruby tones shift between red, magenta, and violet, giving it an ever-changing beauty. If you appreciate British studio glass that blends colour, craftsmanship, and character, this Okra paperweight deserves a place in your collection.

Specifications:

• Maker: Okra Studio Glass (by Richard Golding)

• Origin: Stourbridge, England

• Year: 1982

• Etching: N30 82 C214

• Label: Original Okra Studio Glass label on base

• Colour: Purply ruby with white ribbons and controlled air bubbles

• Dimensions: Height 6.5 cm, Width 7 cm

• Weight: 418 grams

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition – light surface wear and scratching as expected of vintage glass.