Thomas Webb and William Fritsche Lamp

This monumental crystal lamp is a collaborative masterpiece executed by the best glassmaker, Thomas Webb & Sons, and the best glass engraver William Fritsche. It is one of the most ambitious pieces created by the Stourbridge, England glassworks, and indeed may be the largest model ever produced by the firm. Fritsche, considered to be the finest engraver of crystal in the world, decorated the lamp with an outstanding swirling floral pattern. Fritsche's etched signature can clearly be seen on the lamp's body and each piece of silver bears the Thomas Webb hallmark. Resplendent in size and quality, this piece is in excellent condition.

Hallmarked London, 1902

36" high

William Fritsche worked in the classical style, engraving naturalistic and figurative subjects for Thomas Webb & Sons, the most famous glasshouse in England. Along with Webb, he pioneered the style of decoration known as rock-crystal engraving, often cutting so deep that the effect had the appearance of glass sculpture. His work was exhibited at the 1878 Paris Exhibition.

Thomas Webb & Sons was probably the most famous Victorian glasshouse in Stourbridge, England. The firm was known for innovative design and techniques in glassmaking, particularly in the areas of cameo glass and crystal engraving.

Reference:
An Illustrated Dictionary of Glass, 1977, Harold Newman