Cameo Glass Sampson Mordan Scent

Thomas Webb and Sons cameo glass and silver-gilt mounted scent bottle, Sampson Mordan, London 1884, rounded spearhead form, carved with white over amber floral and fern specimens, in a velvet lined fitted Moroccan leather case for Mackay and Chrisholm, Edinburgh, 10cm long It is often suggested that, artistically, the most notable creations of the ‘cameo revival’ were achieved during the Art Nouveau period by the Nancy makers Gallé and Daum. However, many believe that, in terms of sheer quality, the earlier work of the Stourbridge glassworks was seldom matched. Although once dubbed the ‘crystal king of England’ the Thomas Webb & Sons glassworks is perhaps best remembered for its cameo glass. As interest in classical Greek and Roman glassworking methods surged, the ancient process of etching and carving through layers of opaque white and coloured glass was studied, revived and then perfected by a number of Midlands makers in the mid-Victorian period. Webb, based at the Dennis Glassworks, won prizes for their products at the 1889 Paris Exposition. The ‘cameo’ bottles consist of a layer of milky white glass that is cut away - via acid-etching and hand carving on a wheel - to give a design of blossoms on a branch or a leafy floral bloom. Occasionally a 'patina' stain is applied to further enhance the design. Only a small handful of Webb pieces were signed but, as most of these bottles were fitted with screw-top silver mounts by Birmingham makers such as ‘small work’ specialist Sampson Mordan, they can be dated with some accuracy to the mid to late 1880s.