A Thomas Webb & Sons Cameo Small Two Handled Amphora Vase, Circa 1884

In 1884 London hosted an International Health Exhibition under the patronage of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales, where Thomas Webb & Sons was included among the exhibitors. The South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria & Albert Museum) made several acquisitions from the firm's display, including, for £38, a yellow glass two-handled vase designed by Thomas Woodall and carved by John Thomas Fereday (1854-1942), acc. no. 91-1885, illustrated in Ray and Lee Grover, English Cameo Glass, New York 1980, p. 236. The present vase is very similar in spirit and proportions, featuring some of the same white overlay motifs. Thomas was awarded a bronze medal for his glass vases and bowls included in the exhibit.