Founded in 1807 by Thomas Osler, the firm of F & C Osler of London and Birmingham became the leaders in chandeliers and lighting manufacturing during the nineteenth century. The glassworks specialized in glass furniture and chandeliers. Many of their products were produced for overseas markets.
F & C Osler was commissioned to create the gigantic crystal fountain for the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. It stood 27 feet high and contained 4 tons of crystal. During a time when cut glass remained the cornerstone of quality, this large fountain depended greatly upon the cutter’s skills. The brochures for the exhibition boasted the fountains impressive scale. It was written that the chandelier formed the center of the entire building, and that it could be seen from ever vantage point. It was claimed that was perhaps the most striking of the objects at the Exhibition.
During 1856, the firm was contracted to build a large chandelier for St. Georges Hall in Liverpool. Liverpool was one of the largest and richest ports in England at the time. The fame they gained for building the Liverpool Chandelier led to other commissions that included a thirty six light chandelier for the Mansion House in London.
Queen Victoria opened Aston Hall, in the spectacular Jacobean mansion to the public in 1858 with a banquet that was held in the Great Dining Room. F & C Osler created the table service. The work so impressed the queen that she commissioned the firm for some personal items. F & C Osler rode this fame to new heights. They constantly pushed the envelope of cut glass design in their chandeliers always producing more and more complicated designs that still invoke awe today.
December 27th, 2006 by Webmaster
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