Webb: Thomas Webb & Sons English Art Glass
Thomas Webb & Sons, founded in 1837 in Stourbridge, England, was one of the foremost producers of Victorian art glass and fine crystal. Operating from the Dennis Glass Works, the firm became renowned for its cameo glass, Burmese glass, rock crystal engraving, and innovative colored glass techniques. Under the artistic direction of craftsmen including George Woodall, Thomas Woodall, and Frederick Kny, Webb produced some of the most technically accomplished and artistically significant glass objects of the 19th century, competing with and often surpassing the finest Continental European glasshouses.
Identification & Marks
Webb glass may bear an acid-etched "WEBB" or "Thos. Webb & Sons" mark, though many pieces are unmarked. Cameo glass by George Woodall frequently carries his signature carved into the glass. Some pieces bear a circular "THOMAS WEBB & SONS" acid stamp. The firm also used paper labels. After various mergers, the company became Webb Corbett and later merged with Royal Doulton. Period and maker attribution often depends on form, technique, and stylistic comparison with documented examples. The cameo mark "GEM" was used on some commercial cameo production.
Types & Techniques
- Cameo Glass: The firm's supreme achievement. Multi-layered glass carved in relief, including work by George and Thomas Woodall
- Burmese Glass: Licensed from Mt. Washington Glass Company in 1886, featuring heat-sensitive glass shading from yellow to pink
- Peachblow: Shaded glass graduating from deep rose to pale pink or cream
- Rock Crystal Engraving: Deep copper-wheel engraved and polished glass simulating carved crystal, work of Frederick Kny and William Fritsche
- Queen's Ware: Ivory-toned glass with applied colored decoration
- Alexandrite: Color-changing glass shifting from blue to purple to rose depending on light source
- Bronze Glass: Dark glass with metallic oxide surface effects
- Cut Crystal: Fine table and decorative crystal with traditional cutting patterns
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small decorative glass pieces | $100 - $400 |
| Burmese glass vases (standard) | $200 - $800 |
| Peachblow pieces | $200 - $1,000 |
| Rock crystal engraved pieces | $500 - $5,000 |
| Alexandrite pieces | $500 - $3,000 |
| Commercial cameo (GEM mark) | $500 - $3,000 |
| Fine cameo vases (carved scenes) | $3,000 - $30,000 |
| George Woodall signed cameo | $10,000 - $200,000+ |
| Monumental/exhibition cameo | $50,000 - $1,000,000+ |
| Queen's Ware pieces | $200 - $1,000 |
Condition Factors
Cameo glass must be examined meticulously for chips to the carved overlay layer, which are impossible to repair invisibly. The carved white layer shows damage conspicuously against the colored base. Rock crystal engraving should be sharp and crisp without cloudiness. Burmese and Peachblow glass are susceptible to scratching and abrasion; examine surfaces under raking light. Applied decoration must be intact. Color quality and depth affect value within each glass type. Alexandrite should show clear color-change properties. Original polished pontils and ground bases are expected and appropriate.
Collecting Tips
Webb cameo glass, particularly signed pieces by George Woodall, represents the highest achievement of English glassmaking and commands prices comparable to fine paintings. The 1878 Paris Exhibition Portland Vase replica established Webb's reputation as the world's leading cameo glass producer. Burmese glass is more affordable and offers an accessible entry to Webb collecting. Rock crystal engraving by Kny and Fritsche is increasingly recognized and valued. Compare Webb's production with contemporary Stourbridge rivals Stevens & Williams and Richardson's to understand the competitive context. Major auction results are tracked through Bonhams, Christie's, and Sotheby's decorative arts sales. The Broadfield House Glass Museum in Stourbridge provides essential reference material.