The Seaham ‘Multi’. The Holy Grail of Sea Glass hunting on Seaham Beach
Why is the Seaham ‘Multi’ so special ?
Seaham Multi’s are the Holy Grail of Sea Glass hunting at Seaham. Seaham is world famous for sea glass and collectors come to Seaham far and wide to find it’s beach treasures.
The term ‘happy dance’ is often the term used by sea glass collectors when they find a ‘Multi’. I have been lucky enough to do a few ‘happy dances’ on the beach over the years. It’s hard to believe that these extraordinary pieces of glass are just nuggets of waste glass tumbled by the ferocity of the North Sea for up to 170 years.
Some are truly exquisite and highly valued by collectors far and wide.
Where does Seaham’s Sea Glass come from ?
Seaham’s Sea Glass is likely to have come from two sources. One of these sources was The Candlish Bottle Works at Seaham and was once the biggest producers of glass in Europe and manufactured glass between 1850 and 1923. The waste glass or ‘end of day’ glass was thrown into the sea (very naughty Victorians !). Now, 170 years later, tumbled by the power of the North Sea little jewels of Sea Glass are washed up and uncovered by the incoming tides.
The source of the ‘Seaham Multi’ is widely believed to be waste glass discarded by the glass making factories in Sunderland. Glass making in Sunderland began over 300 years ago. There were 21 glass making factories in Sunderland during the Victorian era. A big proportion of glass produced in Sunderland was used to produce highly decorated vases that the Victorians found highly fashionable. Notably the Hartley Wood factory that produced glass in Sunderland is thought to be the source of many of the Seaham ‘Multis’ found today.
For unique Seaham Sea Glass art work, gifts and cards please visit https://www.happydanceseaglass.co.uk I am also happy to personalise any artwork on request.
