Bristol

In glassware jargon, the term "bristol" is used to refer to glassware made from "Bristol Blue Glass", which is a distinctive cobalt-blue coloured glass. It contains relatively higher quantities of cobalt dioxide and which was, perhaps, first moulded in Bristol, England in the 17th century. Bristol Blue Glass consists of 24% lead crystal Flint glass and cobalt oxide. The origins of Bristol Blue Glass are not clearly known, however, during the late 1700s, a chemist named William Cookworthy had exclusive import rights to all the cobalt oxide from the Royal Saxon Cobalt Works in Saxony. Following this the fame of Bristol Blue Glass soared and soon, there were over sixty glass houses in Bristol dedicated to its manufacture.

Perhaps the most famous makers of Bristol Blue Glass were Lazurus and Isaac Jacobs, who also held a Royal Warrant. During the last decades of the 18th century, they were making Bristol Blue Glass wares for the Kings and Queens of Europe. Production of Bristol Blue Glass ceased in the early 20th century but was revived in 1998.

Bristol Blue Glass wares, glasses, jugs, vases, tumblers, trumpets, figurines, bottles, show pieces, fruit bowls, pickle jars, wine glasses, decanters, fingerbowls, table-displays and more can be found on sale on many online shopping portals.