Molineux Webb Glass:
19th Century glass from
Manchester in Lancashire, UK
Brought to you by The Glass Encyclopedia
Molineux & Webb were the oldest of the major Manchester glassworks famous for their 19th century glass. They operated as a blown glassworks from 1827 and registered their first pressed glass design in 1846 (a decanter). This was a very early registration for pressed glass.
Originally called Molineux & Co., then Molineux & Webb, and from 1865, Molineaux, Webb & Co. (note the spelling change), they were the most prolific of the Manchester glassworks. They are known to have produced a wide range of cut crystal glass, cased glass, and other hand-blown and decorated items as well as pressed glass.
One of their most famous pressed designs was the Greek Key pattern, shown left. This pattern was used for a wide range of tableware, and was first registered in 1864. The greek key design was used by other 19th century glassworks including their local rivals James Derbyshire and the North Eastern company George Davidson.
Most of the company's production was tableware, but they did produce a number of very beautiful novelties. There is a matt black sphinx which they registered in 1875 which can be seen on page 121 of Rayond Slack's book "English Pressed Glass". That same year they also registered a design for a "dolphin pillar". Ten years later (1885) they registered their lovely little fish posy vases like the one shown in opalescent glass on page 100 of Cyril Manley's book "Decorative Victorian Glass". The company closed in 1936.
