From Lab Bench to Collectible: The Story Behind Our Vintage John Moncrieff Woulff Bottle

At Objet d'Art Stuff, we are always on the lookout for objects with stories — and our latest find is just that. This vintage John Moncrieff Monax Woulff bottle, complete with its original box, is more than just a beautifully preserved piece of laboratory glassware. It’s a glimpse into the long and fascinating history of a pioneering Scottish glassworks: John Moncrieff Ltd.

We were thrilled to receive a note from the company’s current director, Scott Gilmore, who kindly confirmed some of the background and legacy behind the item. According to Scott:

"This was part of a range of laboratory ware made by John Moncrieff Ltd from the 1920s up until the 1980s, although we were still making some parts up until 1995. The manufacture of the Woulff bottles was before my time, but I understand they were used for collecting and trapping gases produced during chemical reactions."

A Legacy of Innovation: John Moncrieff Ltd

Founded in the early 19th century and based in Perth, Scotland, John Moncrieff Ltd built a reputation for both industrial and artistic glassware. The company was at the forefront of British scientific glass production, particularly during the 20th century when the demand for laboratory equipment soared.

Their Monax range — made of borosilicate glass — became a trusted name in scientific circles, known for its durability and resistance to thermal shock. Items like this Woulff bottle were everyday essentials in laboratories, used to channel and collect gases during experiments.

But Moncrieff wasn't just about function — it was also about form.

Collectors may better know the name Monart, a range of art glass produced by the company in collaboration with the Ysart family from the 1920s to the 1960s. Monart pieces are now highly collectible and admired for their vivid colours, swirling designs, and quality craftsmanship.

From Laboratory to Living Room

In the director’s words:

"After production ended in December 1995, we had a massive warehouse full of old lab ware. We sold some of this off for alternate uses — vases etc."

This creative reuse is part of what makes vintage Moncrieff labware so appealing today. A Woulff bottle might once have lived under a fume hood in a busy chemistry lab — now it could grace a shelf as an industrial-chic conversation piece or quirky vase.

Why Collect Moncrieff Glassware?

Whether you're drawn by nostalgia, a love of vintage science, or the beauty of precision craftsmanship, pieces like this Woulff bottle capture a moment in industrial history. It's a reminder of a time when British manufacturing was booming — and when even the most utilitarian items were made to last.

Explore our listing of the vintage John Moncrieff Monax Woulff Bottle here, and bring home a piece of scientific heritage.

Vintage John Moncrieff Monax Woulff Bottle 250ml 2-Neck with Original Box

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