Bristol Glass Collection | Victorian Opaline Antique Glass

Often described as “moonlit glass,” Bristol glass is admired for its softly foggy opaline surface, which appears to absorb light rather than reflect it. This distinctive quality gives Bristol glass its quiet, luminous presence and sets it apart from more reflective decorative glass.

Named for its place of origin in Bristol, a southern port city in England, Bristol glass was produced primarily during the Victorian era, when refined decorative glass was highly fashionable. Pieces were typically hand-blown and frequently embellished with gold gilt or enamel decoration, adding elegance without overwhelming the glass’s subtle beauty.

Bristol glass is rarely found signed or marked. Instead, authenticity is often indicated by construction details, including the presence of an original pontil mark—the dimple on the base where the glass was broken from the blowpipe—evidence of traditional hand craftsmanship.

Our Bristol Glass collection features antique and vintage examples valued for their soft opaline glow, graceful forms, and understated decoration, reflecting the refined artistry of Victorian English glassmaking.