What are mantel lustres used for?

Mantel lustres served as decorative ornaments on fireplace shelves, where their hanging glass drops caught and reflected the light of candles and oil lamps. Beyond their reflective qualities, they contributed to the symmetrical arrangement of nineteenth-century mantelpieces when paired with matching clocks or side vases.

How do I identify Staffordshire spill vases?

Staffordshire spill vases typically feature moulded earthenware figures of animals, birds, or rustic scenes combined with an attached tubular vase meant for holding wooden matches. These pieces generally display hand-painted enamel colours over an earthenware body and often date from the mid-nineteenth century.

What is Bohemian overlay glass?

Bohemian overlay glass involves fusing a layer of coloured glass over a contrasting base layer, then cutting geometric or floral designs through the outer skin. This technique exposes the underlying glass colour to create striking visual patterns favoured by nineteenth-century makers.

How should I clean glass lustres?

Cleaning glass lustres requires removing the delicate glass prisms individually to wash them gently in warm soapy water without risking damage to any gilt highlights. The main body of the vase should be wiped carefully with a soft dry cloth to preserve surface enamelling and gold leaf.