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Let us introduce you to a very special company called Osler. Established in Birmingham in 1807, Thomas Osler made small glass trinkets before undertaking an order for icicle drops, which led to the manufacture of chandeliers.
Though Osler had to contend with high taxes and duties on items like glass (due to the debt from the Napoleonic War), he persevered and later handed the business over to his commercially minded son, Abraham Follett Osler, who included his brother, Thomas Clarkson, in the running of the business. Focusing on creating new designs, Clarkson assisted in the expansion of the business, and they opened a showroom on Oxford Street in 1845. Later on in the 19th century, India became Osler’s largest market outside the UK due to its wealth and shipping links.
Let us introduce you to a very special company called Osler. Established in Birmingham in 1807, Thomas Osler made small glass trinkets before undertaking an order for icicle drops, which led to the manufacture of chandeliers.
Though Osler had to contend with high taxes and duties on items like glass (due to the debt from the Napoleonic War), he persevered and later handed the business over to his commercially minded son, Abraham Follett Osler, who included his brother, Thomas Clarkson, in the running of the business. Focusing on creating new designs, Clarkson assisted in the expansion of the business, and they opened a showroom on Oxford Street in 1845. Later on in the 19th century, India became Osler’s largest market outside the UK due to its wealth and shipping links.
Explore Osler chandelier at antique lighting.
Osler continued its success when the ruler of Egypt commissioned a large pair of candelabras for the tomb of the Prophet Mahomet in Mecca. Displayed in the London showroom, these extravagant pieces caught the attention of Prince Albert.
Source: Europeana
In 1851, Great Britain opened its doors to the world with a superb showcase of “art in industry”, a celebration of British manufacturing. Over just five months, six million people visited the Great Exhibition, held in a purpose-built glass building in Hyde Park.
Osler provided a magnificent pure crystal fountain that occupied the entrance, the reflective qualities of the colourless cut glass proved perfectly suitable for large pieces such as the fountain, furniture and large lighting pieces. The fountain was admired by all, It was the most talked about item at the exhibition.
Osler antique restored by a Fritz Fryer’s restorer | Product: Antique Ceiling Light by F and C Osler – Fritz Fryer UK
In 1876, Follett & Clarkson’s sons took over the business, moving with the times, they introduced new designs which included the revolutionary invention of electricity!
On 14th July 1906 when the children and grandchildren of Follett and Clarkson became the first directors, they rebranded and the name F&C Osler was born.
Osler Antique restored at Fritz Fryer | Know more about Lighting Restoration
In the early 1900s, F&C Osler joined forces with Faraday and Son Ltd (1919), a company that specialised in metal period reproductions.
Unfortunately, incredibly tough times lay ahead: trade slowed overseas as a result of the Wall Street Crash in 1929; in 1936, Crystal Palace burned down, along with the famous Osler fountain; and in 1941, during the Second World War, the factory took a direct hit.
Crystal Osler chandelier restored | Shop antique chandeliers
Despite losing some machinery, production resumed just two months later, and within six months, the company was trading as normal.
Facing increased competition after the war, the company made a strategic decision to purchase ‘Maxlume’, a manufacturer of industrial and commercial lighting. They operated Maxlume as a subsidiary and relocated to its Birmingham factory. Unfortunately, the acquisition proved unsuccessful, and the company ultimately decided to close its showrooms.
After 158 years the company ceased trading. The company Wilkinson purchased remnants of the company and in 1985 they acquired Osler and Faraday lighting company. The name is now registered to ensure that the legacy of Osler and Faraday’s work continues at the high standard it was recognised for.
Fritz Fryer Restored antique
When Simon and Karen took over from the original Fritz Fryer over a decade ago, Simon developed a fondness — well, actually, an obsession for Osler lighting. He was immediately drawn to the precision of the engineering: every piece designed to fit perfectly into a well-thought-out design, with numbered metalwork and well-made components. He loved the beauty and purity of the crystal, and the brilliance of the cut and moulded glass. The Osler light, in whatever form, is a coherent, intelligently designed piece to be admired and collected.
Fritz Fryer restoration unit
Our large collection of F&C Osler and Faraday & Son Chandeliers has been restored by our team of experts; their job is made much easier due to the exceptional quality components. The crystal is then cleaned and hand-pinned by Margaret. Every piece of crystal appreciated as she re-dresses the chandelier. View our current collection of Osler Antique lighting here.
The Osler story has all the attributes of a company that deserved to stand the test of time. This was a business built on ingenuity and resilience.
Despite economic setbacks, war and cheaper commercial competitors it continued to trade. It diversified, collaborated and worked to its strengths by involving commercially minded and creative family members. This family run business didn’t forget its roots and never compromised with quality. Similar things could be said about Fritz Fryer.
Reference: Wilkinson Ltd
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