English Glass 1603-1850
- Comments
-
Glasgow Museums has a significant and large collection of over 500 items of English glass which date from 1603 to 1850. This collection mostly contains eighteenth-century drinking glasses, representing one of the most varied and extensive collections in the UK. There are around 410 pieces of English table glass acquired by Sir William Burrell (1861-1558) and his wife Constance, Lady Burrell (1875-1961) which they donated to Glasgow in 1944. The English glass in the Burrell Collection dates from 1680-1760 and showcases the stylistic development of English table glass throughout this period, from the introduction of lead-glass in the 1680s by glassmaker, George Ravenscroft (1632-1683). Many of the wine and ale glasses in the collection demonstrate changing fashionable forms and decorative details found during this period, including engraving, moulded decoration, and air twist stems. The Burrell collection of English glass also holds examples of cordial glasses, tumblers, dram glasses, toastmaster's glasses, candlesticks, and sweetmeat dishes and bowls. Around 170 pieces of English glass dating from 1603-1850 can be found in the main Glasgow Museums collection, with table glass dating from the later eighteenth century and early nineteenth century. This collection also includes several fine examples of Jacobite drinking glass, used to toast the Young Pretender, Charles Edward Stuart (1720-1788). These glasses were most probably made in England but engraved in Scotland.
- Broader term
- Staff Contact