Enameled Overlay Ten-Light Emerald Green Chandelier by F. & C

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Enameled Overlay Ten-Light Emerald Green Chandelier by F. & C

About the Item

A fine and ornate enameled overlay ten-light emerald green chandelier by F. & C. Osler in clear, white and emerald green glass with gilt enrichments. The vase form corona is hung with ‘plain Alberts’ and ‘rule’ drops above two further tiers of drops. The shaped receiver bowl issuing ten ‘S’-shaped scrolling candle arms terminating in green glass hurricane shades. The drips pans are hung with hexagonal flat back buttons and plain Albert drops. The line drawing for this overlay glass chandelier was illustrated in Osler's 1894 catalogue. English, circa 1850. The firm of F & C Osler of London and Birmingham, were the leading makers of chandeliers and lighting during the 19th century. The glassworks were founded by Thomas Osler in 1807 in Birmingham and specialized in glass furniture and chandeliers for the overseas market. Thomas Osler was a scholar rather than businessman but when his sons (Follett and Clarkson Osler) joined him in the business they complemented his skills with their energy, which saw the firm thrive and a London house being opened in 1845. Thomas Osler was a scholar rather than businessman but when his sons (Follett and Clarkson Osler) joined him in the business they complemented his skills with their energy, which saw the firm thrive and a London house being opened in 1845. As a result by 1850 the firm had been commissioned to make the giant crystal fountain for the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, London. The fountain stood some 8.25 meters or 27 feet high and contained 4,000kgs or 4 tons of crystal. At a time when cut glass remained the touchstone of quality the fountain was dependent upon cutters' skills for its appeal. The original catalogue of the exhibition makes particular note of the scale to which this magnificent glass fountain dominated the entrance; 'Forming the centre and, or nearly so, of the entire building, and dividing alike the transept and the nave, rises the gigantic fountain of Messrs. Osler, the culminating point of view from every quarter of the building...'. The brochure also goes on to say that the fountain, ' is perhaps the most striking object in the Exhibition; the lightness and beauty, as well as the perfect novelty of its design, have rendered it the theme of admiration with all visitors.' In 1856 the firm supplied a large chandelier for St Georges Hall, Liverpool; Liverpool was then the leading and richest port in the country. This was followed by other significant commissions including a thirty six light chandelier for the Mansion House, London. In 1858, Queen Victoria opened Aston Hall, Birmingham's spectacular Jacobean mansion, to the public and a banquet was held in the Great Dining Room. F & C Osler, produced the table service. According to a history of F & C Osler, 'Her Majesty the Queen was so struck by the unique beauty of the Tudor Service, that she asked permission to take away a beautiful Champagne glass. This she took personal charge of throughout the journey to London…'. In 1862 Thomas Osler & Co. exhibited at the Paris Exhibition; a contemporary commentator recorded; "When it is said that these chandeliers are of the usual excellence in material and workmanship, which has for so many years characterised the chandeliers and candelabra of this house." F. & C. Osler were the leaders in their field and took the art of 'Brilliant Cut Glass' to new heights. This 'brilliant' style emerged in the late 1870s, its name aptly describing its effect. At its most complex brilliant cutting involved covering the glass surface with intersecting cuts that created innumerable, often fragmentary shapes making up larger patterns. Basic motifs used were stars, hob-nail or polygonal diamonds, strawberry diamonds and fan scallops, out of which a dazzling surface effect was achieved. During the 1880s F. & C. Osler produced ever more complicated designs in this style. The wealth within India and efficient shipping links led Osler to choose India as his largest market outside the UK and many Osler chandeliers and light fittings survive there to this day.

Creator:
F. & C. Osler (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 63 in (160 cm)Diameter: 38.98 in (99 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Glass
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1850
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Brighton, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: B751601stDibs: LU1028018557872

Shop All F. & C. Osler

F. & C. Osler

British glassmakers F. & C. Osler redefined the art of cut-glass design in an era of Victorian luxury, refinement and grandeur.

The firm began in Birmingham in 1807 by Thomas Osler, who established his business making small glass ornaments and pieces for chandeliers. His sons, Follett and Clarkson Osler, joined the company and, in 1831, reorganized it as F. & C. Osler.

During the 1840s, F. & C. Osler expanded production to include the manufacture of chandeliers and glass furnishings, opening a second workshop in London in 1845. The company focused on producing large-scale designs, leading to the creation of one of their most famous pieces: the 27-foot-high, four-ton Crystal Fountain for London’s Great Exhibition in 1851. Another notable F. & C. Osler piece at the exhibition was a pair of eight-foot-high candelabras purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Today, they are on display as part of the Royal Collection at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

The success of F. & C. Osler’s Crystal Fountain established the company’s reputation as one of the finest glassmakers of the 19th century. Wealthy clients coveted its cut-glass chandeliers, wall sconces, epergnes, candelabras and decorative centerpieces.

F. & C. Osler also received several important commissions. In 1856, F. & C. Osler designed a large chandelier for St. George’s Hall in Liverpool and a 36-light chandelier for London’s Mansion House. In 1858, they were asked to produce tableware for a banquet held by Queen Victoria at Aston Hall, in Birmingham. The Queen is said to have been so impressed with the glassware she asked permission to keep a champagne glass.

F. & C. Osler thrived throughout the late 19th century, experimenting with complex cut-glass motifs and expanding its successful export market to India. They became a favorite glassmaker for Indian royalty and aristocratic English ex-pats.

By the 1920s, demand for cut-glass products waned, and F. & C. Osler closed its Birmingham factory in 1922. The company remained in business, albeit on a much smaller scale, until 1976.

Today, F. & C. Osler remains a symbol of grand Victorian glassmaking and is sought by antique collectors and interior designers worldwide.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique F. & C. Osler lighting, decorative objects and serveware.