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.
Pair of American E. F. Caldwell Bronze and Lead Crystal Wall Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Montreal, QC
A fine pair of bronze and lead crystal two light wall sconces, each elliptical oval open back plate set with a radiating design of elongated glass drops. This New York based compa...
Crystal, Bronze
English George III Period Pair of Candelabra, William Parker
By William Parker
Located in Montreal, QC
An important pair of two light cut glass brass mounted George III candelabra attributed to the celebrated maker William Parker, Each raised on a cut baluster and square base supporting two candle arms with hung drip pans and sconces, also with two complimenting arms terminating to canopied spires and centred by a large triangular spire supporting a canopy with an urn shaped finial, the whole beautifully draped with lustrous swags, pendants and drops all of the highest quality cut glass. PROVENANCE: original bill of sale M. Harris and Sons Sold: Nov 2. 1945, 165 pounds sterling...
Crystal
Pair of Victorian Silver Plated Four Light Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
While unmarked, these seem to us to be in the style of Elkington. The prevailing motif is fruiting vine, the stem, arms and drip pans continue the theme, the three legged base is als...
Silver Plate
Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Bronze Eight-Light Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
They are unusual in form, each with curved shaft and mask decoration issuing seven curved candle arms, and topped with one candle arm, all hung with half...
Bronze
Louis XVI Style Bronze Wall Sconces, Cast Design, France, Circa 1920
Located in Montreal, QC
A massive pair of Louis XVI style three light bronze wall sconces, each arm modeled with scrolling acanthus, the back plate with vase-shaped flame finial and of tapering garlanded fo...
Bronze
Set of Four Empire Style Three-Light Wall Sconces, Gilt and Patinated
Located in Montreal, QC
Set of four French Empire style cast bronze three-arm wall sconces. The oval cast gilt bronze back plate, with stylized acanthus leaf design, supporting a gilt banded dark patinated...
Bronze
Pair of cut crystal wall sconces in the style of Maydwell and Windle, England, 1
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Pair of cut crystal wall lights in the style of Maydwell and Windle, England, 18th century Pair of cut crystal wall lights in the style of Maydwell and Windle, George II period, Engl...
Crystal
Pair of Caldwell Georgian Style Cut Crystal and Gilt Bronze Sconces
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine pair of twin arm sconces with solid cut arms are crafted with the best quality heavy gauge crystal. The fittings are gilded and silver plated cast bronze.
Crystal, Bronze
Pair Antique French Louis XVI Cut Crystal and Ormolu Sconces, Circa 1885
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Louis XVI cut crystal and Ormolu sconces, Circa 1885.
Crystal, Ormolu
Important Pair of Five-Light Cut-Glass Wall-Light by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
An important pair of five-light cut-glass wall-lights the backplates stamped F&C OSLER this back plate covered by a richly cut-glass back plate of unusual type the silvered back plat...
Silver
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu, Crystal and Frosted Crystal Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu, Baccarat crystal and frosted crystal six arm sconces. Each sconce is centered by a lovely mottled elongated back plat...
Crystal, Ormolu
Pair of 19th Century Monumental Palace Size Osler Four Light Crystal Candelabra
By F. & C. Osler
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century Monumental Palace Size Osler Four Light Crystal Torchères/Candelabras. Each section is super finely hand-carved and hand-cut f...
Crystal, Bronze
