Apsley Pellatt

British craftsman

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July 1, 2026

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Apsley Pellatt was an English glassmaker who developed a technique called crystallo ceramie in 1819. This process involved embedding decorative ceramic objects, typically made of fine white china clay and supersilicate of potash, within exceptionally clear flint glass. These embedded decorations, often profile portraits or coats-of-arms, would not fracture when in contact with molten glass. The resulting ware, which had a silvery appearance, was crafted into items like paperweights, decanters, and ornamental tableware. Pellatt's work is also sometimes referred to as incrusted glass or sulphides.

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crystallo ceramie
…but had no vogue until Apsley Pellatt, an English glassmaker, developed a technique that resulted in specimens of genuine beauty. In 1819 Pellatt patented his process under the name crystallo ceramie and began to issue his ware from the Falcon Glasshouse in Southwark. His cast bas-relief decorations—which usually were profile…
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…but had no vogue until Apsley Pellatt, an English glassmaker, developed a technique that resulted in specimens of genuine beauty. In 1819 Pellatt patented his process under the name crystallo ceramie and began to issue his ware from the Falcon Glasshouse in Southwark. His cast bas-relief decorations—which usually were profile…
Read More