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Whitefriars Glass

One of the leading names in the British glass industry, Whitefriars created some of the most innovative glass pieces of the 20th century. Indeed, Whitefriars glass is seen as the creme de la creme of the British glassmaking world. Despite going out of business in 1980, their work is still extremely sought-after and in demand among those with an eye for interior design.

Here at Vinterior, we don’t just sell large pieces of furniture, we also offer exquisite antique and vintage accessories such as rare Whitefriars glass. From vases and dishes to wine glasses and tumblers, Whitefriars’ work remains a class apart. We are always sourcing new pieces of vintage Whitefriars glass for our marketplace, so if you can’t find what you are looking for today check back and have a browse through our site.

Shop our entire edit of Whitefriars glass for sale at Vinterior and buy direct from a trusted seller today.

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How to tell a genuine piece of Whitefriars glass


As one of the innovators in the British glass industry, Whitefriars were the leader in design. Their continuing popularity has meant that many others have tried to emulate their work, and pass copies off as original Whitefriars pieces. Geoffrey Baxter's Whitefriars glass is particularly iconic and the designer was responsible for famous ranges such as the Drunken Bricklayer and his textured glasses.

Learning how to identify Whitefriars glass vases and other objects has become difficult in recent years because of reproductions and copies. Rare Whitefriars glass can often be differentiated from copycat designs by the colour; fakes tend to be too dark, too bright or too bold and miss the subtle complexity of colour that Whitefriars wove into their glass. Copies also lack the sharp detailing that is found on the moulds of genuine Whitefriars; this is what leads to the crisp and unusual markings that they’re renowned for.

At Whitefriars, the coloured glass was encased in clear glass; in fact, each piece was made with painstaking precision. This long and expensive process was one of the reasons why Whitefriars became difficult to run as a business. Yet it’s also why their glassware is still amongst the best around.


Is Whitefriars glass marked?

Yes, it should be. From 1870 to 1923, a paper label was used to identify all Whitefriars' glass. This was a small, round label with the Whitefriars' name. Post-1920 up to 1950, the paper label morphed to include the picture of a friar. Other labels were simple and round with the model number of the vase. While it's a bonus to have a label, many have been lost over the years.


Incorporating Whitefriars glass into your home


Vintage Whitefriars glass is known for its cutting-edge technology and techniques that the brand brought to market, which is why their vintage designs still have a contemporary appeal. Their use of colour in glassware was unprecedented and the decorative effect of many of their pieces is simply sublime.

Classic conic goblets, cut crystal tumblers and vintage glass decanters all add elegance and look perfect paired with a retro sideboard or drinks trolley. Whitefriars glass vases come in both symmetrical and irregular shapes and look just as glorious empty as they do filled with flowers. From purple to amber, green and blue, Whitefriars glass designs are available in a wide range of colours. This provides the ideal opportunity to accessorise with existing decor, in either traditional or modern-themed homes.


Vintage Whitefriars glass for sale at Vinterior


As we’ve mentioned above, pre-owned Whitefriars glass is not just sought-after but often the subject of forgeries so it’s important to buy from trusted suppliers such as the Vinterior online marketplace. Whitefriars glass copies often sell for around 15% of the genuine price so if you see a much cheaper item for sale, it’s probably not genuine. You can trust Vinterior to only stock genuine and rare Whitefriars glass pieces and when you make a purchase you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that you've bought an original.


Whitefriars glass price guide

A simple rule is the older the piece of Whitefriars glass, the more valuable it is. Interwar pieces are generally very affordable as are many of the mid-century 1960s vases with their strikingly bold colours and asymmetrical shapes. Explore Vinterior's curated collection to get a feel for the different styles and prices of Whitefriars glass.

Searching for rare Whitefriarsf?

From 18th century glassware to retro vintage vases, Whitefriars glass is without parallel. We're huge fans of the famous British glassmaker at Vinterior and you’ll find a great selection for sale. Whether you’re a trade seller or looking to add to your own personal collection, get in touch with Vinterior today and find your perfect piece!

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