Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 122b

Deceptive Glass

ca. 1820-1880 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
A modest, entirely plain glass used for ices, perhaps made by the newly invented ice cream-making 'machine'. Although in outline the same shape as a drinking glass, the bowl is all but solid, allowing only a minimal lick. Made in the mid-19th century, at a time when cheap, press-moulded glass was beginning to become the most available type, a hand-made but undecorated artefact such as this was still extremely marketable.

Ownership & Use
Used in cafes, seaside booths and places of entertainment, a smear of ice was spread on the surface and licked off by the customer. The glass was then returned to the seller for immediate use by the next customer.

Materials & Making
This 'lick' is made in strong, brilliantly clear lead glass. Hand-blown and tooled, the 'bowl' is virtually solid. Each section of the foot, stem and bowl is made from extra glass added at various stages, and probably at least two people were involved in the making of this glass.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Glass
Brief description
Deceptive glass or ice cream lick, England, ca. 1820-1880
Physical description
Stem: rudimentary; Bowl: funnel
Dimensions
  • Height: 9.1cm
  • Base diameter: 5.3cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 07/07/1999 by LH
Style
Credit line
Given by Francis Buckley, Esq.
Object history
Made in England
Summary
Object Type
A modest, entirely plain glass used for ices, perhaps made by the newly invented ice cream-making 'machine'. Although in outline the same shape as a drinking glass, the bowl is all but solid, allowing only a minimal lick. Made in the mid-19th century, at a time when cheap, press-moulded glass was beginning to become the most available type, a hand-made but undecorated artefact such as this was still extremely marketable.

Ownership & Use
Used in cafes, seaside booths and places of entertainment, a smear of ice was spread on the surface and licked off by the customer. The glass was then returned to the seller for immediate use by the next customer.

Materials & Making
This 'lick' is made in strong, brilliantly clear lead glass. Hand-blown and tooled, the 'bowl' is virtually solid. Each section of the foot, stem and bowl is made from extra glass added at various stages, and probably at least two people were involved in the making of this glass.
Other number
1203 - Glass gallery number
Collection
Accession number
C.210-1913

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Record createdDecember 13, 1997
Record URL
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