This is a rare abstract paperweight by Helen Macdonald.
It is called Liberte (Liberty) and is dated to 2000.
The weight was inspired by the musical stage show (and book): Les Miserables. So a very special piece - not many were made - probably as the design was complicated and it was an expensive issue to start with.
It comes from a limited edition of only 150 weights (closed at only 82 - a very small amount released). These often went directly to specialist collectors or club members.
This paperweight is No 46. Being handmade by Helen - each weight is just so slightly different in detail. The only other one that I could find on offer was at a shop in Houston, Texas and that had a price tag of $595 dollars on it.
Height: 10 cm
The weight is egg or tear-shaped with sliced viewing weight to the front. The exterior of the weight is opaque and frosted - with lots of little acid-etched criss-cross patterns on the back representing the French barricades. The light shining through the colours inside - gives the weight an almost opalescent glow.
When you look through the polished facet window on the front - you can see the lovely colourful sculptural inclusion inside. This represents a street scene from Les Miserables - there are silhouettes of the barricades in the background - and further forward we have a French Tricolour Flag - the red, white and blue stripes are certainly very vibrant. There is a red love heart below to the left - and above rises a triumphant red swirling plume of a ribbon.
The whole theme is based on the desire for Liberty from oppression.
It is edition numbered etc on the base.
It is a very sophisticated weight that is in good vintage condition - with no chips, scratches or damages.
I have been unable to find another one of these on offer for sale (apart from the one in the States) - so it is deemed to be a very rare weight - this is reflected in my asking price. It must have taken ages to make it. You probably won't see another one of these offered for sale for a long time.
Postage in the UK will be £4.95 for Royal Mail Recorded Post. This will be applied at the checkout.
I can post this to the States / Canada / Australia etc. Postage would be about £30 - and this would be applied at checkout.