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Originally made in the late 19th century, these marbles were found on the banks of the River Thames by a professional 'Mudlark'.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 8 clear glass marbles, all with internal swirls in shades of red and orange.


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 internal red, orange, and white swirls, made in England in the late 19th century
Physical description
These 8 marbles are all made from clear glass, although all of them have internal swirls in different shades of red and orange. The surfaces are slightly scratched and worn, presumably from play. There is also evidence on ingrained dirt from their time in the Thames.
Dimensions
  • Smallest marble diameter: 1.5cm (approx.)
  • Largest marble diameter: 1.7cm (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Originally made in the late 19th century, these marbles were found on the banks of the River Thames by a professional 'Mudlark'.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 8 clear glass marbles, all with internal swirls in shades of red and orange.
Collection
Accession number
B.334:1 to 8-2013

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Record createdApril 15, 2014
Record URL
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