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.
A Victorian Tent and Waterfall Chandelier By F& C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine quality early Victorian eight light cut glass and silvered mounted chandelier of classic tent and waterfall design, the stem with a trumpet shaped top piece and drop hung cano...
Cut Glass
Fine Mid-Victorian Frosted Sixteen-Light Cut-Glass Chandelier
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine quality mid-Victorian cut-glass silvered mounted sixteen-light chandelier the baluster stem with drop hung top canopy, terminating with petal edged frosted glass crown, the ma...
Silver
Unusual 15-Light Cut Glass Antique Chandelier by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine quality cut glass fifteen-light chandelier by F&C Osler the main baluster shaped shaft surmounted by a drop hung canopy and a draping pan with cascading drapery terminating at...
Silver Plate
Important Twenty-Light Cut-Glass Chandelier by F. & C. Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A highly important twenty-light cut-glass chandelier by F. & C. Osler, the baluster shaped shaft with cascading drapes and shepherd crooks these surmounted by spires crowning the diamond cut baluster shaft, over twenty candle arms arranged on two levels. The chandelier is richly draped with flat back spangles and pear shaped finial drops. A chandelier of almost identical design see Plate 94 Chapter Fourteen F. & C. Osler The English glass chandelier by Martin Mortimer. Another Pair of similar design with Fileman antiques purchased...
Silver
Large Eight-Light Regency Tent and Waterfall Chandelier of the Finest Quality
By Hancock & Rixon
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine regency chandelier of classic tent and waterfall design unusually having two tents divided with a second waterfall both waterfalls with double rosette bands, the main ring iss...
Six Light William IV Tent and Waterfall Chandelier
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A William IV chandelier of Classic tent and waterfall design, from the drop hung corona the graduated chains Cascade to the main ring issuing six sided arms supporting radial cut dri...
Cut Glass
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
Monumental Antique Cut-Glass Chandelier by Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in London, GB
Monumental Antique Cut-Glass Chandelier by Osler English, early 20th Century Height 350cm, diameter 166cm This impressive monumental chandelier ...
Metal
Very Large Cut Glass Chandelier in the Style of F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in London, GB
Very large cut glass chandelier in the style of F&C Osler English, 20th Century Height 390cm, diameter 174cm Crafted from cut glass in ...
Cut Glass
A Rare Monumental Cut-Crystal Twenty-Four-Light Chandelier, by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Rare Monumental Cut-Crystal Twenty-Four-Light Chandelier, by F&C Osler This rare electrolier or chandelier has a cut glass canopy and bowl form corona issuing six downward scrolli...
Crystal
19th Century Neoclassical Crystal Chandelier by F. & C. Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Queens, NY
English (19th century) 2-tier swirl crystal 36 arm chandelier. (signed by OSLER)
Crystal
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
