F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
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.
1860s British Victorian Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver Plate
1860s English Victorian Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver Plate
1870s British Victorian Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver
1860s English Victorian Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century English Regency Revival F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Crystal, Silver Plate, Bronze
1980s German Hollywood Regency Vintage F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Crystal, Brass
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, Brass
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s French Modern F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Ceramic
1840s French Mid-Century Modern Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Late Victorian F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century English Belle Époque Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
1930s Belgian Bauhaus Vintage F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Opaline Glass, Bakelite
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
Mid-20th Century Dutch Hollywood Regency F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal
1910s British Edwardian Vintage F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Crystal, Silver
1880s British Victorian Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver Plate, Bronze
19th Century English Georgian Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
1920s English Victorian Vintage F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver
Early 20th Century British Art Deco F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver
Early 20th Century British Georgian F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver
19th Century British Victorian Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
Ormolu
19th Century English Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
19th Century English Antique F. & C. Osler Wall Lights and Sconces
