Waterford Crystal factory

Waterford Crystal factory

waterford crystal factory

Waterford Crystal factory was the last of the Irish glassworks to close in 1851, crippled by excise taxes, but 100 years later, the company was back in business, the furnaces fully functioning once more.

p ost - war Waterford is highly collectible and the company produces pieces which, on the one hand incorporate all the traditions of a craft which reaches back to the 18th century, whilst also looking forward to the next century.

The Waterford glassworks were founded in 1783 by the Penrose brothers, to produce lead crystal glass pieces.

waterford crystal factory

This was a technique originally introduced by the English glass company of Ravenscroft. A new process allowed a higher proportion of lead to be added to the glass resulting in a heavier, stronger and more brilliant product, which could be decorated with a series of cuts which held and reflected the light, like crystal.

Along with all the Irish manufacturers, Waterford Crystal factory suffered a turbulent history, plagued by taxes, famine and the migration of it's craftsmen to neighbouring Bohemia. However, in 1951 the company was reopened and Waterford attracted Irish craftsmen back from the ruins of Central Europe.

waterford crystal factory

With their talent for blowing and cutting, they once again produced, crystal glass of the finest quality. By the 1960s, when demand exceeded supply, the company expanded until twenty years later, they were the largest company to produce hand-crafted crystal, in the world, using the same tools and techniques as in the 18th century when the glassworks were founded.

The formula which gives Waterford glass its brilliance and durability, is closely guarded, known only to a few, but the continuance of its quality is due to the love, care and skill that goes into each hand cut piece. The slightest imperfection, seen only to the most trained eye, results in the piece being destroyed and returned to the furnace.

waterford crystal factory

Waterford pieces, can contain 10,000 hand cuts and priceless personal effort over many days, so it is fitting that they should be chosen for trophies awarded for excellence in the fields of art, science, industry and sport. These include the Irish Derby, the Ryder Cup, the Ashes,

Superbowl and last year a pair of doves of peace were hand sculpted for Nobel Peace Prize winners, John Hume and David Trimble.

waterford crystal factory

Hanging droplets of sparkling Waterford crystal have lent themselves to the fashion for chandeliers since the 18th century as they refract the light through their deep crystal cuts.

One enormous example can be viewed in the City Hall of Waterford itself. In 1965 16 chandeliers were made to hang in Westminster Abbey to commemorate its 900th anniversary. Today Waterford includes lamps and candelabra in its range.

Many Waterford pieces reproduce traditional patterns, such as the Lismore range of glasses and the crystal cut Grange and King's serving bowls. Or reproduce historic pieces in limited editions.

waterford crystal factory

However, a new generation of Waterford has minimal cutting on crystal clear glass These are the designs of John Rocha, more usually known for his catwalk clothes. Geo, Imprint, Aegis and Signature, are striking in their simplicity.

Waterford was preparing for the new century back in 1996, with its Millennium collection of champagne flutes. Each year, a design had been introduced which salutes one of the universal wishes with appropriate designs cut into the crystal, hearts, bows, sheaves of corn and so on. There was Happiness in 1996, Love 1997, Health 1998 and in 1999 the design was Prosperity.