Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 118a

Wine Glass

ca. 1780 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
A typical wine glass of the late 18th century, this example, with its elaborate and expensive engraving, would have formed part of a set.

Design & Designing
From about 1780, the long succession of different types of tall stemmed wine glasses made in Britain from the early 18th century was finally abandoned in favour of more compact versions. These shorter glasses - made in only two parts, the stem being drawn from the bottom of the bowl - were more stable, their rather plain forms being enhanced with cut flutes or facets. Not only were they elegant, but they perfectly complemented contemporary decanters, which followed exactly the same form but upside-down. Such skilled wheel-engraving in the fashionable Neo-classical taste was probably added by specialist glass dealers who had their own cutting shops - mainly in London. Engraved decoration could double the cost of a glass.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Engraved glass
Brief description
Wine glass, England, 1780-1800, 52 A-1904
Physical description
Stem: faceted; Bowl: ogee
Dimensions
  • Height: 12.5cm
  • Diameter: 7.3cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 17/07/2000 by RK
Gallery label
British Galleries: Much of the wine drinking at dinner was kept until after the main meal, when ladies had withdrawn to take tea or coffee in the drawing room. The Neo-classical lion heads and swags engraved on this glass suggest a fashion-conscious owner.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by C. B. Farmer
Summary
Object Type
A typical wine glass of the late 18th century, this example, with its elaborate and expensive engraving, would have formed part of a set.

Design & Designing
From about 1780, the long succession of different types of tall stemmed wine glasses made in Britain from the early 18th century was finally abandoned in favour of more compact versions. These shorter glasses - made in only two parts, the stem being drawn from the bottom of the bowl - were more stable, their rather plain forms being enhanced with cut flutes or facets. Not only were they elegant, but they perfectly complemented contemporary decanters, which followed exactly the same form but upside-down. Such skilled wheel-engraving in the fashionable Neo-classical taste was probably added by specialist glass dealers who had their own cutting shops - mainly in London. Engraved decoration could double the cost of a glass.
Collection
Accession number
52A-1904

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Record createdDecember 13, 1997
Record URL
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