Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital slr-2010.

Wine Goblet

Manufacturer Thomas Webb & Sons (British (Stourbridge, England), 1837 - 1990)

Designer William Fritsche (British, 1853-1924)

CultureEnglish

Dateca. 1880

MediumBlown, cut, and engraved glass

DimensionsOverall: 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
Overall, Rim: 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Base: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)

InscribedScript engraved outside bowl bottom: "WFritsche" for the engraver & possible cutter. Stem bottom acid-stamped: "Webb".

Credit LineGift of Dr. Leonard S. & Juliette K. Rakow

Object number84.97

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 116-5, Case 34

DescriptionWine goblet/cocktail of blown colorless glass. Bright cut hob star & star design. Plain medallion engraved with bird. Convex panel stem. Plain round foot with a star cut bottom.

Label TextTRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP SPELLS QUALITY The objects in this case present some of the techniques used to decorate glass. Despite the new mechanization of the glassmaking process, the large majority of table and decorative glassware made in Victorian Britain was still created by hand. Skilled artisans such as glassblowers, cutters, and engravers worked individual pieces of glass to satisfy a broad range of customers and their individualized tastes. Manufacturers marketed to the growing number of middle-class consumers via trade catalogs, retail shops, and international expositions. Customers were able to choose from a rich assortment of useful household items such as plates, finger bowls, compotes, decanters, and wine glasses. Demand for glass that was purely decorative was also on the rise by the late 1800s. As Britain became a wealthier nation, many of her middle- and upper-class citizens had disposable income to spend on stylish objects to decorate their homes. Designed by William Fritsche Bohemian/English (1853-1924) Thomas Webb & Sons Stourbridge, England Wine Goblet, ca. 1880 Blown, cut, and engraved glass Gift of Dr. Leonard S. & Juliette K. Rakow 84.97 Exhibition History"Cheers to Queen Victoria: British Glass from the Chrysler Collection," Waitzer Community Gallery, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, September 22, 2010 - March 20, 2011.Published ReferencesWakefield, 19TH CENTURY BRITISH, p. 98.