Waterford crystal lighting
Waterford chandeliers and lamps
The crafting of glass is a skill the Irish dominate in. It is a skill of great tradition, formulated through care as well as patience. It is not enough to mention the skill of the Irish craftsman. The forming of glass and crystal is a magnificent power that is simply magical. Considered to be the best in their field, the craftsmen at Waterford are very meticulous in their glass crystal creations.
Establishing Waterford Glass House
Brothers George and William Penrose established the Waterford Glass House in 1783.They expected their glass crystals to be of the same caliber as the finest specimens in all of Europe. Their expectation became a reality. Using glass and minerals, they were able to make transformational crystals. The likes of which had never been encountered before. A light tap on the glass, and it begins to sing. Durable and strong, it is quite smooth and has a warmness to it. The brightly white crystal, crafted by these Waterford artisans, shines brightly with ornamentation grooved deeply into it. Artistry, on top of skill and patience, have reigned supreme at Waterford.
Exhibitions of Exhalation
Drinking glasses, crystals, and other serving glassware manufactured at Waterford poured into the homes of both American and European aristocrats alike. King George III himself had some crystals in his residence located at a resort. His court seemed to have admired these ornaments. The Royal Dublin Society also bestowed medals on the Waterford crystals for the designs that were unrivaled by all in the competition. Still, just when Waterford was reaching success, the financial climate dissipated. Owner George Gatchell closed the factory in 1851. That same year, many of Waterford’s crystals had been displayed at the London Exhibition, receiving much acclaim, including the range of Waterford lamps.
Revitalization of Waterford After World War II
Waterford crystals production had pretty much died out for a hundred years. But Irish arts once again became relevant in the 1940s and 1950s due to Ireland’s independence. Business men were then motivated to restart Waterford’s glass industry.
Miroslav Havel, hired by Kael Bacik (who is Czech as well as Havel), became Chief Designer at Waterford. He studied the crystals created by the Penrose brothers at Ireland’s National Museum. The carving patterns that the Penrose brothers made famous were the backbone to the designs of that time. Havel created the iconic Lismore in 1952 due to these designs. The Lismore continues to be a top-seller from Waterford crystal chandeliers range.
A group of personally selected artisans were picked by Bacik and Havel to make elaborate crystals. A few years into the venture, Waterford became very successful.
Waterford crystals are given to both Heads of State and royalty. The Irish government has gifted a Waterford crystal to all the American presidents between Eisenhower and Reagan. High-achieving scientists as well as athletes at important sporting events have been given Waterford trophies.
The sculptures and trophies were all created from the Design studio in Waterford City, Ireland.
Craftsmen were advised by Chief Designer, John Connolly, and the late Jim O’Leary to create the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball, the American PGA Tour trophy, and the People’s Choice Award.
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