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Waterford Crystal Glass
Waterford Crystal Glass: A short explanation |
![]() above: Waterford cut crystal bowl made 1999 by Maurice Whittle Master Wedge Cutter for Waterford Glass. If you are looking for Waterford Glass there is always some for sale on eBay. See what there is just now - click Waterford Glass |
This second Waterford Glass House operated from 1783 until 1851, and earned the town its high reputation for prestigious quality glass. Waterford Glass was mostly heavy crystal which was brilliantly clear and deeply cut on the wheel. It was quite distinctively different from Cork glass. Unfortunately the heavy tax which was imposed on glass in Ireland made the operation uneconomic and it closed in 1851. This was the only glassworks operating in Waterford during the 19th century. In 1951 a new glassworks was built in the town and named Waterford Glass Ltd. This company rapidly established a reputation for high quality cut crystal, which it exported around the world. The picture at the top of this page is a very large heavy cut crystal trophy in the shape of a bowl, being held up proudly by the cutter who was decorating it. The modern plant welcomed visitors to its large restaurant and glass cutting and glass making displays and it became a very popular venue for tourists. Waterford became part of Waterford-Wedgwood plc in 1986 and this merged company continued to play a major role in the Irish glass industry for a few years. But in January 2009, struggling like so many other companies to compete with imports from Europe, the Wedgwood Group went bankrupt and the Waterford glassworks was closed. Then in June 2010, Waterford Crystal re-opened in a new location in Waterford City and continues to produce high quality crystal and to welcome visitors on guided tours of the factory and its retail store. They are proud of their collection of Waterford Crystal, the largest in the world. |