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.
Pair of 19th Century Monumental Palace Size Osler Four Light Crystal Candelabra
By F. & C. Osler
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century Monumental Palace Size Osler Four Light Crystal Torchères/Candelabras. Each section is super finely hand-carved and hand-cut f...
Crystal, Bronze
A Pair Of Gilt Bronze Five Light Candelabra By F & C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
The fabulous pair of gilt bronze cut glass Victorian candelabra are of arts and crafts form. The flat diamond cut bases with applied gilt bands and tapering columns, supporting five ...
Glass
Fine Pair of Twin Branch Victorian Candelabra by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine pair of Victorian candelabra by F&C Osler with star cut base supporting twin glass branch issuing drop hung drip pans and candle nozzles.
Cut Glass
Pair of Charles X Gilt Bronze, Four-Light Candelabras
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of gilt-bronze candelabras each with a tapering leaf-tip cast stem supporting three foliate carved candle branches with detachable nozzles and a reeded stem raised on a triparti...
Bronze
$5,550 / set
H 20.5 in W 12 in D 12 in
Pair of French Louis XV Style Five-Light Gilt Bronze Candelabras
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Louis XV (19th-20th Century) style five-light gilt bronze candelabra with foliate detail throughout.
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Bronze Candelabras
Located in Skanninge, SE
A pair of European Mid-19th Century bronze-gilt candelabras. For two candles each. Very nice original condition.
Bronze
Pair of French gilt bronze table candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of French gilt bronze table candelabra French, 19th Century Height 75cm, diameter 35cm The fine gilt bronze candelabra in this pair are crafted ...
Ormolu
Louis XV Style Bronze Five-Light Candelabra
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Louis XV style bronze Five-light candelabra, Early 20th century. Of naturalistic form, the foliate clasped nozzles and drip pans issuing from scrolling branches about co...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze 3-Light Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… The Napoleon III style motifs are fairly evident on these beautiful gilt bronze candelabras. The three sconces sit atop a rising rinceaux of acanthus ...
Metal, Bronze
$5,200 / set
H 19.69 in W 10.63 in D 8.67 in
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze 5-Light Candelabra
Located in Miami, US
This stunning pair of 19th-century French candelabra showcases the elegance and opulence of the period, featuring five candle arms and intricate gilt bronze cherub figures. The cheru...
Marble, Bronze
$1,600 / set
H 23 in Dm 8.25 in
Pair of 19th C. French Empire Bronze and Patinated Brass Four-Light Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring stately elegance and classical refinement to a mantel, buffet, or console with this striking pair of French Empire candelabra, crafted in France circa 1880 from finely chased g...
Bronze, Brass
$2,280Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 16 in W 8.25 in D 8.25 in
Pair of Regency Gilt Bronze Figural Candelabra
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each Greek style classically draped male figure raising a three-light oil lamp shaped top on a square stepped plinth.
Bronze
$11,904
H 16.54 in W 10.24 in D 10.24 in
Pair of Portuguese Neoclassical Five-Light Candelabra by Leitão & Irmão
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pair of Portuguese Neoclassical Five-Light Candelabra by Leitão & Irmão Portugal, late 19th Century (1887-1937) Materials: Silver and Rosewood...
Silver
Pair of Louis Phillipe Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
Each well modeled as a youth in Renaissance dress, one foot upon a gourd and supporting a four-light candelabrum, the arms cast with acanthus, the st...
Bronze
Victorian Crystal and Gilt Bronze Candelabra by F. & C. Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extraordinary pair of cut-glass and gilt bronze five-light candelabra was crafted by the celebrated crystal works of F. & C. Osler. The English firm was the largest and grandest...
Crystal, Bronze