Stevens
Williams Victorian Cranberry and Uranium Glass Bowl, England 1890
About the Item
- Creator:Stevens Williams (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 3.55 in (9 cm)Diameter: 6.3 in (16 cm)
- Style:Late Victorian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1890-1899
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Glasgow, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6391241953472
Stevens & Williams
Acclaimed for exceptional and exquisite decorative glass vases, crystal serveware and other ornamental objets d’art, glassmaker Stevens Williams was at the forefront of British glass design from the 19th to early 20th centuries.
Though the company began to take shape in 1776, Stevens Williams Ltd. was formally established in 1847 in Brierley Hill in the West Midlands of England by entrepreneurs William Stevens and Samuel Cox Williams. During this period and into the late 19th century, demand was high for attractive, mass-produced glass, with imports providing strong competition for British glassmakers. Determined to produce glass products that were “a cut above the rest,” Stevens Williams focused on creating unique and innovative glassware of unparalleled quality.
Led by master glassmaker John Northwood, Stevens Williams became known in the 1870s for its hallmark colored glass. In 1880, the company garnered more attention when Northwood encouraged 17-year-old Frederick Carder to join the firm as a draftsman and designer. Despite Carder’s young age, Northwood recognized his prodigious talent for cameo work, engraving, cutting and intaglio, skills which would contribute to some of Stevens Williams’ most beautiful glass and crystal pieces.
Toward the turn of the century, Stevens Williams expanded from a traditional Victorian style to include elements of Japonisme and Art Nouveau, styles that particularly influenced Carder.
Northwood continued to work for the company until his death in 1902. A year later, Carder left for the United States, where he became famous for cofounding Steuben Glass Works in Corning, New York.
Stevens Williams had considerable success in the early 20th century. In 1919, King George V awarded the firm its first Royal Warrant. In the 1930s, it was renowned for its Art Deco-style centerpieces, barware and other glass pieces. Stevens Williams continued production until 1967. In 1968, the company’s name was changed to Royal Brierley Crystal.
Today, Stevens Williams’ legacy lives on as one of England’s most revered glassmakers. Glass and crystal bearing the Stevens Williams mark continue to be highly prized by collectors around the world.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Stevens Williams decanters, serveware and glass and decorative objects.
You May Also Like
Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Glass
Glass
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Pitchers
Glass, Cut Glass
Antique Early 19th Century Victorian Glass
Glass
Antique Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Glass
Art Glass
Antique Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Vases
Optical Glass
Antique Early 19th Century Victorian Glass
Glass
Antique 1890s English Art Deco Vases
Cut Glass
Vintage 1910s English Art Deco Centerpieces
Crystal
Vintage 1920s English Barware
Crystal
Antique 19th Century British Glass
Glass
More From This Seller
View AllAntique 1890s British Aesthetic Movement Floor Lamps
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Vases
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Late Victorian Vases
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary British Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Art Glass
Antique Late 19th Century British Regency Convex Mirrors
Hardwood, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Murano Glass, Uranium Glass
