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.
Large Cut Glass Plafonnier by F. & C. Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A cut glass gilt mounted plafonier by F. & C. Osler with split diamond cut bowl issuing a cut glass star and pine cone finial, the metal stamped F&C O...
Cut Glass
1 of 2 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 30 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of th...
Murano Glass
$3,241
H 29.53 in Dm 16.54 in
Large French Art Nouveau Art Deco Ornate Burnished Brass & Cut Glass Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
A wonderful ceiling fixture decorated with fine ornaments. In very good condition, original cut glass dome without damages and brass with beautiful patina, France, 20th century. ...
Brass
Large Sputnik blown Glass by Doria, Germany, 1970s
By Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Aachen, NRW
A midcentury pendant light made by Doria Leuchtern, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970-1979. The pendant is composed of 6 blown glass balls attached to a brass frame. Sockets: 6 x ...
Brass
19th Century English Cut Crystal Chandelier, Signed F & C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This six light chandelier by the renowned firm of F & C Osler, is of rare design and a first rate example the the glass cutters art! Originally gas powere...
Crystal
$3,440
H 21.66 in Dm 16.15 in
F. & C. Osler Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Cast Brass Swan Hook Gallery
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Nottingham, GB
F. & C. Osler Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Cast Brass Swan Hook Gallery IG221834 A refined and elegant plafonnier by F. & C. Osler, combining exceptional hand-cut crys...
Crystal, Brass
Exquisite F. & C. Osler Style 12-Light Cut-Glass Chandelier
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Norwood, NJ
A superb example in the style of late-19th-century English glassmaking, this 12-light gasolier attributed to F. & C. Osler showcases the refined workmanship and elegant proportio...
Crystal
Antique Cut Glass Plafonnier
Located in Tarporley, GB
#3861 Large antique cut glass ceiling plafonnier. English 1920’s. Quality thick cut glass bowl with geometric design. Complemented with elegant aged brass ring, original chain & 3...
Brass
$1,032,061 / set
H 120.87 in Dm 73.63 in
Very Large Pair Antique English Cut Glass Purple Clear Chandeliers F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in London, GB
Very Large Pair Antique English Cut Glass Purple Clear Chandeliers F&C Osler English, Late 19th Century Height 307cm, diameter 187cm An exceptional pair of 19th century chandeliers...
Metal
Large 19th Century, Cut Glass Plafonnier
Located in London, GB
Large 19th Century, Cut Glass Plafonnier A stylish late 19th Century cut glass English made plafonnier, Made by W. Sitch & co of London Soho est 1776 – 2018. Dimensions Height:7 inch...
Cut Glass
Osler Crystal Cut Glass Six-Arm Chandelier
By F. & C. Osler
Located in London, GB
An elegant Osler crystal cut glass chandelier of finely proportioned form, centred by a shaped baluster standard richly decorated with diamond-cut detailing leading up to an upturned...
Crystal
$1,678
H 23.63 in Dm 14.18 in
Large 14-Inch Satin & Cut Crystal Plafonnier Pendant Light In Geometric Ring
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Nottingham, GB
A refined and elegant fixture sourced from the historic archives of W. Sitch & Co, Soho. The piece centers on a large 14-inch (360mm) satin crystal bowl, which features a sophisticat...
Bronze
$4,472
H 23.63 in Dm 16.93 in
F. & C. Osler Extra Large Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Ram's Head Ring
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Nottingham, GB
F. & C. Osler Extra Large Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Ram's Head Cast Brass Gallery IG221833 An exceptional large-scale plafonnier by F. & C. Osler, combining a deepl...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Cut Glass Plaffonniers by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine pair of silver mounted plaffonniers by F & C Osler with father cut glass bowls and slice cut finials.
Silver