How do I clean a painted glass vase?

Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth to protect fragile enamel and gold leaf decorations. Avoid submerging in water or using chemical cleaners. Harsh scrubbing can remove hand-painted details and ruin the surface of antique glass.

What is Mary Gregory glass?

Mary Gregory pieces feature white enamel silhouettes of children playing amidst foliage or landscapes. They are typically found on cranberry, blue or green glass. Though named after an American decorator, most of these Victorian items were actually produced in Bohemia and England.

How do I identify Bohemian glass?

Bohemian pieces often utilise heavy overlay colours, rich gilding and deep cuts. They frequently depict nature, portraits or hunting scenes. Their robust construction and ornate style reflect the prominent nineteenth-century glassworks of the region.

What are mantel lustres used for?

Mantel lustres served as decorative mantelpiece ornaments during the Victorian era. The hanging glass prisms caught the light of candles or gas lamps. They functioned primarily to add sparkle and visual symmetry to formal rooms.