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
$3,250
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
$3,309
H 7.88 in W 20.87 in D 20.87 in
Large Stunning Murano Glass Flushmount by Doria, Germany, 1960s
By Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large Fantastic mid-century Flush mount chandelier by Doria, Germany, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Many Murano glass cylinders are suspended from the fixture. Wonderful geometric ...
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
$2,304
H 5.12 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in
Large Stunning Glass Flushmount by Peill & Putzler, Germany, 1970s
By Peill & Putzler
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic mid-century flush mount by Peill & Putzler, Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. 9 Cube glasses over a brass frame. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, we...
Metal, Brass
$881
H 13 in Dm 5.12 in
Antique Edwardian Ornate F&C Osler Teardrop Cut Glass Light Pendant Lamp, C.1910
By F. & C. Osler
Located in London, GB
A wonderful cut glass pendant light made in England by F&C Osler. c.1900 Of beautiful design and form, teardrop shaped hand-cut and frosted glass shade. Incredibly high quality silv...
Silver Plate, Brass
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
Large Antique Osler Plafonnier
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Tarporley, GB
#3762 Large antique Osler Plafonnier. English 1920’s. Incredible quality & elegant design. Original aged brass ring with matching three hook hanger & ...
Brass
$1,028,382 / 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
$1,982
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
$1,667
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
$1,956Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.5 in Dm 13 in
French 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Cut-blown-glass Plafonnier 'Ceiling Light'
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 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 support r...
Bronze
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