We have authored this page as we wish to help film/movie and TV production companies choose the correct glassware for a particular period and a particular scene. Having spent years watching characters in period dramas using glassware that was not produced until a much later date, or that was inappropriate for the class and standing of the characters in question, we hope we can assist you in dressing the set properly; at least with regard to glassware. We will not embarrass anybody by pointing out the errors we have seen. We can provide any of the glassware we list for sale on our web site as prop rental and maintain a small stock of reproduction glassware that would also suit, for either purchase or rental.
We would like to point out a number of factors that need to be taken into account when deciding on what glassware is appropriate for a particular scene:
1. The period. It is obvious that glassware that post-dates the period in which the scene is set is out of the question, unless the theme is time travel. What also needs to be taken into account is that in all periods there are early fashion adopters and those who are more traditional. As is also the case nowadays there are many people using glassware in their homes from the late 20th century and, in many homes, vintage and antique glassware is used at table and for decoration. Thought should therefore be given to the period in terms of whether the glassware that should be used is either contemporary with or predates the period in question, this being dependent on the characters who “own” the glassware.
2. Characters. We recently saw a period drama where the supposed nobility in a salon scene were drinking from glasses sold by Woolworths. The nobility would never have used such glasses. The type of glassware used would vary acording to the station and purse of the characters providing the glassware. For instance the type of drinking glass used in a local tavern would be very different from that supplied by a contemporary well-to-do merchant which would, in turn, differ from that provided at court.
3. Original or reproduction. Some production companies are obsessed with sourcing glassware that is original to the period. This is fine from one aspect i.e. it is in keeping with the period in question, but it is not always practical. On a general basis the older the glassware required the more expensive it is to buy or hire. This is not always the case, some early 19th century decanters for instance probably being cheaper than buying new ones. An early 18th century baluster drinking glass is likely to cost a thousand pounds or more, making originals an expensive proposition. In addition, getting runs of a particular type of antique glass (for a dinner party scene for example) is almost impossible due to their rarity. Reproductions, provided they are blown correctly, are preferable in such a case and can be provided in larger numbers if required. Lastly it should be realised that any antique glassware will show its age. In a period scene the glass would be contemporary and not excessively worn. From that aspect accurate reproductions are more desirable than battered originals.
We sell and rent out our glass and are happy to advise which type of glass would be suitable for a particular scene regardless of whether you buy or rent that glass from us. With both of our two children and in-laws in the film industry we have an interest which goes beyond the strictly commercial. Feel free to contact us by either telephone or email as you prefer. We will try to assist you if we can.