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.
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
Exceptional F. & C. Osler Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Faraday & Son Frame
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Nottingham, GB
Exceptional F. & C. Osler Satin Cut Crystal Plafonnier with Faraday & Son Reeded Brass Gallery IG221816 A rare and beautifully composed plafonnier by Faraday & Osler — ...
Crystal, Brass, Silver Plate
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
F. & C. Osler Cut Crystal Pendant Lights in Gilt Brass Frames, Rare Set of Five
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Nottingham, GB
F. & C. Osler Cut Crystal Pendant Lights in Gilt Brass Frames, Rare Set of Five A run of five cut crystal pendant lights by F. & C. Osler of Birmingham, each bowl held within a gilt ...
Crystal, Brass
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
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
Late 19th Century Caldwell Bronze Chandelier with Leaded Glass
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A late 19th Century Caldwell neoclassical style bronze chandelier with Greek key design and leaded glass Center part. 6 lights. Has Caldwell mark on top part. Available 2 items
Crystal, Bronze
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Chandelier with Cut Glass
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze light fixture with cut glass inset. (6 interior lights)
Bronze
French 19th Century Antique Bronze Gasolier with Alabaster Bowl
Located in New Orleans, LA
Originally made for gas, this antique gasolier creates a striking visual presence with the simple-yet-elegant designs cut into the bronze. Note the p...
Alabaster, Bronze
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
Italian gilt bronze chandelier with glass and crystals from the 1920s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Large chandelier in gilt bronze, glass, and crystal. Italian production from the 1920s. This grand chandelier, with its striking visual impact and exquisite craftsmanship, hails fro...
Crystal, Bronze
French Art Deco Gilt Bronze Cut Glass Chandelier, Early 20th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A beautiful Art Deco chandelier with very elegant design, crown-shaped of gilt bronze with a satin handcut glass dome shade and a small shade hanging from the top, all supported by f...
Bronze
