Not currently on display at the V&A

Set of Marbles

late 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Marbles are one of the oldest known toys and are known to have been played with in pre-Christian Rome. It is a simple toy, but one that has stood the test of time, going in and out of fashion throughout the ages.

Originally made in the late 19th century, these marbles were found on the banks of the River Thames by a professional 'Mudlark'. This set consists of eight clear glass marbles, six with orange internal swirls, and two multicoloured internal swirls.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 8 parts.

  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
Materials and techniques
Brief description
A set of 8 clear glass marbles with orange internal swirls, made in England in the late 19th century
Physical description
These 8 marbles are all made from clear glass and all have unique orange swirls inside. Four of them have large swirls, two have small swirls, and two have small multicoloured swirls. The surfaces of the marbles are chipped, scratched, and generally worn, presumably from play.
Dimensions
  • Smallest marble diameter: 1.4cm (approx.)
  • Largest marble diameter: 1.6cm (approx.)
Credit line
Given by Graeme Brudenell
Object history
This marble, along with others that have been donated, were found on the banks of the Thames by a professional 'Mudlark'.
Association
Summary
Marbles are one of the oldest known toys and are known to have been played with in pre-Christian Rome. It is a simple toy, but one that has stood the test of time, going in and out of fashion throughout the ages.

Originally made in the late 19th century, these marbles were found on the banks of the River Thames by a professional 'Mudlark'. This set consists of eight clear glass marbles, six with orange internal swirls, and two multicoloured internal swirls.
Collection
Accession number
B.406:1 to 8-2012

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Record createdApril 15, 2014
Record URL
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