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.
Antique Cast Brass GEC Chandelier Vaseline Shades Rams Head 1930's
By General Electric Company (GEC) 1
Located in Tarporley, GB
#3771 Antique cast brass GEC chandelier. English 1930’s. The finest quality heavy cast three arm chandelier featuring ram’s heads motifs complement with elegant bellflower shaded v...
Brass
Rare aged brass caged Holophane pendant light English 1910
Located in Tarporley, GB
#3904 Rare aged brass caged Holophane pendant light. English 1910. Pristinely presented with original aged brass cage & elegant prismatic glass. Scarce three part example. All gl...
Brass
Antique Monumental F. & C. Osler 20 Inch Plafonnier.
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Tarporley, GB
#3907 Monumental F. & C. Osler 20 Inch Plafonnier. English circa 1900–1920. This impressive antique ceiling light features a beautifully proportioned, shallow fluted opaline glass bowl, suspended within an intricately detailed cast oxidised gallery adorned with classical scrolling motifs, decorative roundels and finely cast ornamental borders. The elaborate pierced gallery is complemented by four elegant suspension chains featuring distinctive elongated diamond-shaped links, rising to a decorative ceiling fitting. The original ceiling hook bears an Osler maker’s stamp, providing an important indication of the light’s prestigious heritage. The softly ribbed etched glass shade creates a warm, beautifully diffused illumination, while the ornate metalwork reflects the exceptional craftsmanship associated with British architectural lighting of the period. Founded in Birmingham in 1807, F. & C. Osler became internationally celebrated for producing some of the finest decorative glass and lighting of the 19th and early 20th centuries, supplying prestigious residences, public buildings and royal commissions throughout the world. Measuring an impressive 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter, this substantial antique Osler...
Brass
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
Massive Art Deco 8 Arm Nickel Chandelier English 1930's
Located in Tarporley, GB
#3884 Massive Art Deco 8 arm nickel chandelier. English 1930’s. Part of a larger collection of Art Deco light fittings all purchased from an original 1930’s Art Deco house. Very s...
Brass, Nickel
Original Art Deco Brass Chandelier
Located in Tarporley, GB
Original Art Deco aged brass chandelier. English 1930’s. Part of a larger collection of Art Deco light fittings all purchased from an original 1930’s Ar...
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Brass Chandelier with Etched Glass Shades
Located in Dekalb, IL
This antique brass chandelier features a multi-arm form with scrolling supports and a tall central stem, fitted with etched glass shades throughout. The fixture is constructed primar...
Brass
French Brass Chandelier Ceiling Pendant 6 Bulbs, circa 1940
Located in Labrit, Landes
French chandelier or lustre made of brass. It is possible to shorten the chain by removing links. A slight dent in the upper part of the chandelier, please see last photo. Good condi...
Brass
Brass Four Light Electrified Gas Fixture 19th C Made in Usa
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular early gas chandelier, later converted to electric, having four arms which protrude from the center ball body, all supported by a chain form stem. The fixture is in very g...
Brass
Edwardian Antique Copper Brass Holophane Glass Gasolier Ceiling Light. c.1900
Located in London, GB
An incredible early 20th‑century twin‑arm ceiling light. c.1900 Manufactured to a very high quality, originally gas‑fired and later sensitively converted for electricity. The cast‑b...
Brass
Beautiful Three Arm Chandelier Glass Shades & Brass Fitting, Vintage
Located in Bastogne, BE
Beautiful vintage three horn chandelier It is an amazing combination of warranty from the manufacturer and the design of the lighting fixture. Forged brass frame of gold color and ...
Brass
Caldwell Patinated Bronze Light Fixture with Glass inset Circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell gilt bronze and brown patented light fixture with leaded glass, 6 interior lights. Available 8 items, price per item
Bronze
