Item HT 22561 Epergne - Etched Glass, Thomas Webb & Sons, England, circa 1880

Summary

Acid etched, clear glass epergne, attributed to Thomas Webb & Sons, Stourbridge, England, circa 1880.

The epergne is not signed, but the quality of design and manufacture, the evidence of similar examples in the National Gallery of Victoria collection that are known to have been purchased from the Melbourne International Exhibition, and images of the British Court lead us to attribute it to Thomas Webb & Sons.

Established in Stourbridge, England, in 1837, Thomas Webb & Sons was at the forefront of the English glass industry in the nineteenth century. The company regularly exhibited at International Exhibitions, and were awarded many prizes. Their display at the Melbourne International Exhibition was awarded three First Orders of Merit (gold medal): 'one from the Fine-Art Jury for their really artistic work in engraving and etching on glass, and the other two Gold Medals for their glass manufactures and chandeliers.' (1882. "Official Record". Mason, Firth & M'Cutcheon; Melbourne:582)

Physical Description

Tapering fluted vase centred in footed shallow dish above deeper bowl. All etched with Grecian key pattern, wheels, and circles. In two parts, vase sits in middle bowl.