Much-loved iris

Original

Copy

On the left, a friend's much-loved piece of glass, made by her sister many years ago. Now, sadly, both glass and sister no longer with her. On the right, my copy of the piece, made from the photo after much consultation and careful dithering.

The copy is exactly the same size as the original, and I think my friend is pretty pleased with it. She chose the colours and textures with great care, though some of the original glass - the yellowy border, for instance - is no longer available.

A sharp eye will pick up some differences. The original had three mistakes, where the glass broke either on cutting or soldering. We spent ages chatting about whether to reproduce the mistakes, and decided against it. They can always be put in later if necessary. The iris seems improved by restoring the original design, rather than the original execution.

Sometimes glass is just glass, and sometimes it carries a freight you don't recognise, or don't even know about.

I think this piece will be as much loved in its second life as in its first.