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Originally made in the late 19th century, these marbles were found on the banks of the River Thames by a professional 'Mudlark'.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 35 clear glass marbles, all containing an internal yellow swirl.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 35 parts.

  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
  • Marble
Materials and techniques
Brief description
A set of 35 clear glass marbles with yellow internal swirls, made in England in the late 19th century
Physical description
These 35 marbles are all made from clear glass, although some have a green tint to them rather than being colourless. Each one has an internal coloured swirl, with the majority being plain yellow, and some being a mix of colours. The surfaces of the marbles are all slightly chipped, scratched and worn, presumably due to play. A few marbles look as though they could be cracked from the inside, but they appear to be stable.
Dimensions
  • Smallest marble diameter: 1.4cm (approx.)
  • Largest marble diameter: 1.8cm (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Originally made in the late 19th century, these marbles were found on the banks of the River Thames by a professional 'Mudlark'.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 35 clear glass marbles, all containing an internal yellow swirl.
Collection
Accession number
B.408:1 to 35-2012

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Record createdApril 15, 2014
Record URL
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