The History of Waterford Crystal
The origins of glass manufacture in Ireland are lost in the mists of time but there is plenty of historical evidence to demonstrate that, from over 3,000 years ago, glass was looked upon and admired with respect and awe. As far as Irish crystal is concerned, there is evidence going back as far as medieval times to show that glass manufacture thrived in Ireland as far back as the thirteenth century.
In spite of its early origins, the Waterford Crystal story really evolved in 1783 when two brothers, George and William Penrose, founded their crystal making business in the thriving sea port of Waterford. They were significant innovators and the city's principal exporters. Their expansion of the business cost them the considerable sum of £11,500.
In those days, Waterford Crystal Glassworks employed nearly 70 people. The equivalent of a production director was a Quaker, named John Hill, from Stourbridge in England. He succeeded in producing crystal with a purity of colour hitherto unseen anywhere in Europe. Merchant ships set off regularly from the port of Waterford bearing cargoes of crystal bound for Spain, the West Indies, Newfoundland, New York and New England.
Sadly, by the end of the nineteenth century, the company closed due to lack of capital and high taxation. In a relatively short time, Waterford Crystal had gained a reputation for producing hand made full lead crystal of the highest quality.
It wasn’t until 1947 that the wonderful brand of Waterford Crystal was revived. With Europe still recovering from the ravages of the Second World War, a small glass factory was set up in Waterford ten miles from the site of the original factory.
Waterford Crystal today has very strong links with its founding factory. Today, there is still the same reputation for clarity of colour and the same dedication to both classical and innovative design. The traditional cutting patterns made famous by the craftsmen and women of Waterford Crystal became the inspiration for numerous manufacturers of fine crystal from around the world.
Waterford Crystal is today, as it has always been, acknowledged as the finest brand of premium crystal throughout the world. Its wares, be it stunningly handcrafted crystal glasses and vases or brilliant lamps and chandeliers, are designed, manufactured and packaged to the highest standards possible.
The reputation of Waterford Crystal continues to grow undiminished amongst the world’s connoisseurs of fine crystal.
In November 2000, it was voted the most prestigious crystal brand in the United States by a survey held amongst over thirty thousand consumers.
Certain Waterford Crystal designs have, over the years, developed iconic status. Lismore is a typical example. In 2002 the 50th anniversary of the introduction of its design was celebrated. Other designs with a similar following are Colleen and Araglin.
Over the last century and a half, Waterford Crystal has become synonymous with for the world’s finest quality crystal and is admired by connoisseurs everywhere. We are delighted to be associated with this wonderful brand and look forward to being part of its growth and success for years to come.