| For many people, the most unusual objects they | | | | Today, a small number of people are following in |
| have ever seen inside glass bottles are ships. And | | | | Harry's footsteps, and trying to continue the |
| there are some truly astonishing examples of | | | | legacy he left behind. Because the methods used |
| these. But ships are (pardon the pun) just the tip | | | | are so secretive (and difficult), it is estimated that |
| of the iceberg. Over the years, all sorts of | | | | there are only around twelve people word-wide |
| unusual items have been bottled, including decks | | | | who have truly mastered the art form. |
| of cards, golf balls, padlocks, books and even | | | | The beauty of an impossible bottle is in the fact |
| shoes! To be a true impossible bottle, all items | | | | that it can mean so many different things to |
| must be put through the actual neck of the | | | | different people. To some, it is simply a puzzle to |
| bottle. The bottles must not be melted, cut or | | | | be...well, puzzled over. To others it is an unusual |
| tampered with in any way. | | | | art piece that takes pride of place on their coffee |
| The absolute master of impossible bottles was | | | | table, providing a wonderful talking point. For |
| Harry Eng (1932-1966). Although a school teacher | | | | others, it is a source of inspiration. When they |
| by profession, in his spare time Harry would | | | | look at it, they are reminded that no matter how |
| create the most incredible and baffling impossible | | | | difficult their life circumstances may be, anything |
| bottles. Harry's motto was very simply 'think', and | | | | is possible! |
| everything he did was intended to make you do | | | | Whatever impossible bottles mean or represent, |
| just that. It is estimated that Harry created over | | | | they make unique gifts for anybody. So whether |
| 600 bottles, almost all of which contain his | | | | you're looking for the ideal gift for the person |
| trademark - a difficult knot tied inside the bottle. | | | | who has everything, or are simply searching for a |
| A genuine Harry Eng bottle is a valuable collectors' | | | | little piece of wonder and inspiration, try an |
| piece, and can sell for thousands of pounds. | | | | impossible bottle! |