September 2020

Now is the time of year my thoughts turn to hyacinth vases. I have started my hyacinth bulb forcing (see www.gardenwithindoors.org.uk) including using this recently purchased Menu vase. I did have a larger Menu vase in the past and regretted giving it away so pleased I saw this smaller version on ebay. I like the design with the metal insert sitting on the ledge. The ebay listing explained that the company is no longer in business but will still look out for old stock / used vases on ebay.

Menu vase on the left, a bit shorter than the Victorian cobalt blue vases on the right

menu hyacinth vase

four sides of the Menu box

menu hyacinth vase

menu hyacinth vase

menu hyacinth vase

menu hyacinth vase

Tye Hyacinth Vases

While I'm organising my bulb forcing, it gives me a chance to look at them and photograph them. These are all my Tye vases (made by GP Tye in the 1850's - 1860's (I forget the exact dates)).

Tye hyacinth vase

The vases are stamped on the base except the amethyst one which is exactly the same size as the others and appears to be the same aside from the stamp and I think it is a Tye vase, just unstamped. I think I've blogged about this before but I noticed it recently and it reminded me of it.

Tye hyacinth vase base

putting the vases together like this, one can see they are the same size

Tye vase comparison