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
$3,126
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
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
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
A large 19th Century Cut Glass Plafonnier
Located in London, GB
A large 19th Century Cut Glass Plafonnier Set within a bronze circlet, this light retains its original hanging stem, bronze chain and ceiling rose. Casting a soft, gentle glow when l...
Bronze
Antique Monumental F. & C. Osler 20 Inch Plafonnier.
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Tarporley, GB
#3907 Monumental F. & C. Osler 20 Inch Plafonnier. English circa 1900–1920. This impressive antique ceiling light features a beautifully proportioned, shallow fluted opaline glass bowl, suspended within an intricately detailed cast oxidised gallery adorned with classical scrolling motifs, decorative roundels and finely cast ornamental borders. The elaborate pierced gallery is complemented by four elegant suspension chains featuring distinctive elongated diamond-shaped links, rising to a decorative ceiling fitting. The original ceiling hook bears an Osler maker’s stamp, providing an important indication of the light’s prestigious heritage. The softly ribbed etched glass shade creates a warm, beautifully diffused illumination, while the ornate metalwork reflects the exceptional craftsmanship associated with British architectural lighting of the period. Founded in Birmingham in 1807, F. & C. Osler became internationally celebrated for producing some of the finest decorative glass and lighting of the 19th and early 20th centuries, supplying prestigious residences, public buildings and royal commissions throughout the world. Measuring an impressive 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter, this substantial antique Osler...
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
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
$1,021,810 / 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
$3,406
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
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano white glass chandelier designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a metal ...
Murano Glass
$6,812
H 27.56 in Dm 21.66 in
Monumental F. & C. Osler Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Gilt Bronze Gallery
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Nottingham, GB
Monumental F. & C. Osler Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Gilt Bronze Gallery and Classical Festoon Decoration IG221831 An exceptional grand-scale plafonnier by F. & C. Os...
Crystal, Brass
Large Stunning Glass Flushmount by Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1970s
By Peill & Putzler
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic mid-century flush mount in Zebra Pattern made by Peill & Putzler, Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, ...
Metal
$1,975
H 31.5 in Dm 11.03 in
Antique Cast Brass Rams Head Plafonnier By F & C Osler With Satin Crystal Bowl
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Nottingham, GB
ANTIQUE CAST BRASS RAMS HEAD FRAME BY F & C OSLER WITH SATIN CRYSTAL BOWL A beautifully detailed antique lantern attributed to F. & C. Osler, one of the most celebrated manufacturer...
Bronze
$1,850Sale Price|24% Off
H 8.5 in Dm 13 in
A Charming French Gilt Bronze and Cut-blown-glass Plafonnier 'Ceiling Light'
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Charming French 20th century gilt bronze and cut-glass Plafonnier (ceiling light). The three-light cut-blown-glass circular bowl-shaped dome surmounted with a gilt bronze acanthus ...
Bronze
$4,427
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