Vintage Whitefriars decanters

Whitefriars glass is a range of high-quality household glassware that was produced by the British glass manufacturer James Powell & Sons, which was founded in London in 1834. James Powell & Sons began as a family business, and specialised in the production of stained glass, and gained a reputation for producing some of the finest stained glass windows in Britain.

In the late 19th century, James Powell & Sons began to experiment with new glassmaking techniques, and in the early 20th century, the company began to produce a range of high-quality art glassware, including vases, bowls, and other more... decorative objects. The company became known for its innovative designs and use of vibrant colors, and its glassware was highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.

One of the most iconic and enduring designs produced by James Powell & Sons was the Whitefriars range, which was first introduced in the 1920s. The Whitefriars range was characterized by its clean, modernist lines and use of bold, geometric shapes, and it quickly became one of the most popular and successful glassware lines of the era.

Throughout the 20th century, James Powell & Sons continued to produce a wide range of glassware, including both art glass and functional glassware such as drinking glasses and tableware. However, the company faced increasing competition from other glass manufacturers, and in the latter part of the century, it struggled financially.

In 1962, James Powell & Sons was acquired by Whitefriars Glass Limited, which later merged with another glass company to become Whitefriars Holdings Ltd. In 1981, Whitefriars Holdings Ltd. was acquired by Waterford Glass Group, which then became Waterford Wedgwood plc, and the Whitefriars range was eventually discontinued. less...

The earliest decanters date from the late seventeenth century and were made from blown moulded glass.

They were used to serve wine at a time when there was a move towards less formal dining procedures and the reduced reliance on servants and waiters.

The 1745 Excise Tax caused manufacturers to make decanters lighter in weight. The tax benefited the industry in Ireland where it did not apply. When the tax was repealed in 1845, a heavier gauge was reverted to.

In the second half of the eighteenth century blue, green and amethyst coloured decanters were made.

Decanters often sat on more... silver bottle coasters with baize bases (some even on castors) and could be 'pushed' around the dining table without making scratches or requiring serving staff. less...