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.
19th C. English Dore Bronze Mtd. Crystal Bowl Centerpiece w/ Bird Handles, Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in New York, NY
A marvelous 19th century English Dore bronze mounted crystal bowl centerpiece with dore bronze bird handles, signed on the bottom, Osler. The crystal bowl...
Crystal, Bronze
Signed Osler Epergne Silver Bronze Centerpiece w/ Winged Griffins Crystal Vases
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare and spectacular example of F. & C. Osler's workmanship. The Osler firm was founded in Birmingham, England, in 1807. Thomas Osler and a partner produced small ornaments, followed by glass prisms and parts for chandeliers. In 1831, Osler's sons, Follett and Clarkson, assumed control of the business, which was eventually reorganized as F. & C. Osler. They moved to new premises in Birmingham, and in 1852 they opened their own glass factory so that they no longer had to rely on others for their glass. A perfect round and low centerpiece this will be the focal point of any table setting. The plateau base is engraved with a star cutting creating a bright eye-catching center. Ready for your favorite flowers in the removeable, easy to clear trumpet vases.
Crystal, Silver, Bronze
Antique Sterling Silver Epergne / Centrepiece / Vase 1911
Located in London, GB
An Antique solid Silver Epergne Centrepiece with a large oval central basket supporting a tall trumpet shaped vase on top of an impressive concave shaped stand. The central stand has...
Sterling Silver
$1,450
H 4.25 in Dm 7.75 in
Wonderful French Empire Gilt Doré Bronze & Cut Crystal Round Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French empire gilt doré bronze & cut crystal round centerpiece bowl raised on paw feet
Crystal, Bronze
Wonderful Baccarat Harcourt Medium Baluster Signed Crystal Vase
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful Baccarat Harcourt medium baluster signed crystal vase.
Crystal
Lalique Crystal Oval Centerpiece Bowl, Orchid Design, France, 1980s
By Lalique
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful rare Lalique centerpiece adorned with orchids on each end. This oval shaped centerpiece bowl has understated elegance.
Crystal
Japanese Bronze Vase on Tripod Base, Signed
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine Japanese bronze ikebana vase decorated with a landscape of trees and mountains, a house with tiled roof in the foreground. A heavy ...
Bronze
Large Lalique Crystal Bowl Centerpiece
By René Lalique
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautifully hand crafted Lalique centerpiece decorative bowl in a wide open "V" form shape. The bowl is embellished by engraved frosted doves and large scrolls design details. Maker'...
Crystal
$2,400
H 9.65 in Dm 11.82 in
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Empire Gilt Bronze Putti and Marble Centerpiece
Located in Berlin, DE
Late 19th Century French Empire gilt bronze putti and marble centerpiece The centerpiece stands on a triangular, fluted base with arched feet; on th...
Marble, Bronze
Chinese Celadon Footed Centerpiece, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Celadon footed centerpiece, 19th century.
$14,950 / set
H 4 in Dm 9 in
Fine Pair of Signed Antique Baccarat Crystal and Bronze Compotes or Centerpieces
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique French Louis XVI style, signed Baccarat hand diamond cut crystal and bronze doré, first quality, footed compotes or centerpieces. The cut crystal is in excelle...
Crystal, Bronze
$3,954
H 6.3 in Dm 12.21 in
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Marble Bowl on Pedestal - Tazza Centerpiece
Located in Firenze, IT
This Italian 19th century neoclassical marble bowl on pedestal, or tazza centerpiece, is finely carved in Cipollino marble, a highly prized stone already appreciated by the Romans an...
Marble
$196Sale Price|28% Off
H 14.5 in W 7 in D 6.25 in
Handblown Tall Glass Centerpiece Epergne from Biot France
By Biot
Located in Miami, FL
A very decorative centerpiece or Epergne (pronounced E-purn) handcrafted in Biot, France. Beautiful and not often found in this striking rose and clear color, hand blown art glass with signature controlled bubble base created by master glass blowers using original equipment and centuries old techniques. This piece was made in Biot, France. Epergne is defined as, an ornamental stand, usually made of glass or silver, holding, vase shaped dishes, trumpets or trays, used as a decorative centerpiece for serving sweetmeats, fruit, cakes, candy or flowers. This is a clear picture of what an Epergne is. People often ask what a this oddly shaped object is, the easy answer is," a flower vase." Whatever the definition, or whatever you prefer to call them, they are very beautiful. While some English Silver Epergnes...
Art Glass
$2,500Sale Price|36% Off
H 9 in W 18.5 in D 9.75 in
Wonderful French Empire Ormolu Bronze Sphinx Oval Cut Crystal Centerpiece Bowl
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire Baccarat style centerpiece with cut crystal central bowl supported on bronze basket stamped Baccarat France And Flanked by two female Sphinx...
Crystal, Bronze
Sold
H 10.5 in W 21 in D 11.5 in
Rare Wedgwood Coral and Clamshells Decorative Pedestal Table Centerpiece Dish
By F. & C. Osler, Wedgwood
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Spectacular Hollywood Regency Wedgwood bone China coral and shell centerpiece, England, early 20th century. Two large hand painted gilt decorated c...
Porcelain
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