F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
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.
1860s English Louis XVI Antique F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Crystal, Bronze
1970s French Art Nouveau Vintage F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Crystal
20th Century French Empire F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Marble
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Classical Roman Antique F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Crystal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Ceramic, Majolica
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century French Louis XV Antique F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Crystal, Bronze
20th Century French Neoclassical F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Crystal, Bronze
1930s French Belle Époque Vintage F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century European Classical Roman Antique F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Bronze, Brass
Late 19th Century Egyptian Revival Antique F. & C. Osler Bowls and Baskets
Bronze
