Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Acclaimed for exceptional and exquisite decorative glass vases, crystal serveware and other ornamental objets d’art, glassmaker Stevens & Williams was at the forefront of British glass design from the 19th to early 20th centuries.
Though the company began to take shape in 1776, Stevens & Williams Ltd. was formally established in 1847 in Brierley Hill in the West Midlands of England by entrepreneurs William Stevens and Samuel Cox Williams. During this period and into the late 19th century, demand was high for attractive, mass-produced glass, with imports providing strong competition for British glassmakers. Determined to produce glass products that were “a cut above the rest,” Stevens & Williams focused on creating unique and innovative glassware of unparalleled quality.
Led by master glassmaker John Northwood, Stevens & Williams became known in the 1870s for its hallmark colored glass. In 1880, the company garnered more attention when Northwood encouraged 17-year-old Frederick Carder to join the firm as a draftsman and designer. Despite Carder’s young age, Northwood recognized his prodigious talent for cameo work, engraving, cutting and intaglio, skills which would contribute to some of Stevens & Williams’ most beautiful glass and crystal pieces.
Toward the turn of the century, Stevens & Williams expanded from a traditional Victorian style to include elements of Japonisme and Art Nouveau, styles that particularly influenced Carder.
Northwood continued to work for the company until his death in 1902. A year later, Carder left for the United States, where he became famous for cofounding Steuben Glass Works in Corning, New York.
Stevens & Williams had considerable success in the early 20th century. In 1919, King George V awarded the firm its first Royal Warrant. In the 1930s, it was renowned for its Art Deco-style centerpieces, barware and other glass pieces. Stevens & Williams continued production until 1967. In 1968, the company’s name was changed to Royal Brierley Crystal.
Today, Stevens & Williams’ legacy lives on as one of England’s most revered glassmakers. Glass and crystal bearing the Stevens & Williams mark continue to be highly prized by collectors around the world.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Stevens & Williams decanters, serveware and glass and decorative objects.
1910s English Art Deco Vintage Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Crystal
19th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Crystal
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Glass
Mid-20th Century Czech Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Crystal
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Optical Glass
1910s English Vintage Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Sterling Silver
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Agate, Ormolu, Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Art Glass
2010s Italian Art Deco Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Art Deco Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Blown Glass
2010s Italian Art Deco Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Blown Glass
Mid-19th Century American American Classical Antique Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Glass
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Crystal
Early 20th Century British Stevens & Williams Centerpieces
Crystal
Stevens & Williams centerpieces for sale on 1stDibs.
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