B is for Bristol Glass

Bristol Glass Barber Bottles, c 1880's

Although the name Bristol Glass refers to the town in England that originally produced this type of glassware during the mid 1700's, it became known as a form of 19th C Art Glass which was replicated across England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and the United States. It is mold blown, semi-opaque opaline (white), relatively thin glass. Bristol Opaque White Glass has a satin-like powdery feel to it, is rather soft to the touch and light weight often with a visible pontil (nip on bottom from the blower's tube). The world witnessed an explosion of this elegant type of glass during the Victorian era, from the 1840's through the 1930's or so. The glass is always hand blown, hand decorated and quite fragile. Due to its popularity and the abundance with which it was produced, Bristol Glass can be had today at fairly moderate prices. It affords a beautiful way to bring vintage art glass from long ago into your home. Use it, love it, enjoy it!