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.
$832Sale Price / item|20% Off
19thc Antique Petit British Bronze Fire Dogs / Fireplace Accessory by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Opa Locka, FL
On offer is a Petit 19thc Pair Of Fire Dogs In Bronze by F&C Osler. Signed. These are decorative only. They are display items. Collectibles.
Bronze
Antique Gilt Bronze Fireplace Surround Fender
Located in London, GB
This elegant gilt bronze (ormolu) fireplace fender was created in France in the late 19th century. The item will add splendour and beauty to a fireplace, making it the focal point of a room. The fender features a pierced rail which is decorated with a central cartouche, flanked by stylized acanthus leaves. The ends of the fender are topped by full-length, semi-nude figures. These include a beautiful young woman and a bearded male, holding a blacksmith’s hammer. The latter can be identified as Hephaestus (or Vulcan), the classical god...
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purch...
Bronze
$1,295 / set
H 10 in W 9 in D 3 in
Antique 19thC Pair of Staffordshire Whippets Greyhounds Hunting Dog Figures 1860
Located in Portland, OR
An attractive and large pair of antique 19th century Staffordshire pottery whippets or greyhounds, circa 1860. This very attractive pair of Staffordshire dogs are most likely representing dogs from the ancient hunting technique of "coursing", where dogs would be used to chase and catch hares or rabbits. This pair of figures depict such dogs: one with a hare in its mouth the other with a captured hare to the ground, each dog stands on a naturalistic base above a cobalt blue plinth with a single band of gilding. Condition of both figures is excellent, this very handsome pair of antique Staffordshire dogs...
Pottery
19thC Cast Iron Horse Head Hitching Post with a Base
By J.L. Mott Ironworks
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous horse head hitching post from the latter part of the 19th century. Beautiful craftsmanship and detail in the casting. Horse Head sits on a fluted round column with a new ste...
Steel, Iron
Bronze 1930 by Irénée Rochard with Hunting Dogs
By Irénée Rochard
Located in Marseille, FR
1930 bronze by Irénée Rochard (1906-1984) representing two hunting dogs (spaniels) stopped on a black marble base. Dimension height 24 cm for a length of 53 cm and a depth of 18 cm. ...
Bronze
19thC Chiparus Bronze Sculpture of a Nude Ares God of War
By Demetre Chiparus
Located in Sarasota, FL
19th century bronze sculpture of a nude Ares, God of war and courage. One of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera, he embodies the physical valor necessary for success....
Bronze
$4,887
H 7.49 in W 5.52 in D 12.21 in
Antique 19thC Victorian Pair Of Verdigris Patinated Bronze Trafalgar Lions c1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Victorian pair of verdigris patinated bronze Trafalgar lions, recumbent on ogee stepped rectangular plinths. Boldly modelled and well preserved, these are visual...
Bronze
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
H 26 in W 19 in D 4 in
Fantastic 19thc Folk Art Hand Carved & Original Painted Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
FanFantastic all original hand carved and painted 19thc hanging wall cupboard . This folky cupboard was found in the mid west in untouched condition. The cupboard has hand carved and...
Pine
Pair of Chinese Bronze Foo Dogs, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese bronze Foo dogs, 19th century.
Bronze
A Arson, Terrier Hunting Dogs, Signed Bronze, 19th Century
By Alphonse Alexandre Arson
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Group of hunting dogs in front of a terrier: bronze sculpture with brown patina signed Arson Alphonse Alexandre Arson (1822-1895) is a French animal sculptor, with birds as his favo...
Bronze
19thc Original Painted Cat Hubley Door Stop
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20Thc Original Painted Hubley cat doorstop. This kitty is in very good condition and has wonderful original paint & patina.
Iron
19thc Monumental Cast Iron Garden Rooster
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic monumental cast iron rooster is very large and heavy. It was probably used in a store front as a trade sign or a garden element. The patina is amazing and in very good...
Iron