For over two centuries, the city of Waterford has produced the world’s finest crystal. Craftsmanship, stunning design and an unrivalled dedication to quality have been the guiding principles which have ensured that Waterford Crystal has come to be recognised as the finest crystal in the world.

The legend of Waterford Crystal began in 1783 when two pioneering brothers, George and William Penrose, opened the doors of their factory in port city of Waterford - an ancient Viking haven in the south east corner of Ireland. With the help of John Hill, an experienced glassmaker from Stourbridge in England, they set about producing crystal with a purity of colour never before seen in Ireland or England.

For the two hundred years before this, Irish craftsmanship had flourished, particularly in Dublin, then the second most populous city in the English speaking world. Cabinet making, silk weaving, silverware, watch making and leather based trades were all thriving. Treasures such as the Book of Kells and the Ardagh Chalice bear testament to this native tradition for fine artisanship. So the Penrose brothers’ development in Waterford – which they told the Irish Parliament, cost £10,000, a great deal of money in the 18th century – made them important developers and the city’s principal exporters.

In 1786, Hill left the Waterford factory and the Penrose brothers eventually sold the factory to the Gatchell family in 1799, cousins of the Penroses, under whose control glass making continued for another fifty years until it was forced to close down in 1851 due to enforcement of heavy taxes by the English Government of the day. It was in that same year, having already established a unique worldwide reputation for its products, that Waterford Crystal won several gold medals at the Great Exhibition in the aptly named Crystal Palace in London.

In 1947, while Europe was still in ruins after the Second World War, a new factory was set up in Ballytruckle, a suburb of Waterford, just 1½ miles from the site of the original Penrose glass factory. From very humble beginnings the business grew, making it necessary to move to a larger site in Johnstown, nearer the city centre.

In the 1950’s some of Waterford’s Crystal most enduring patterns were designed, including the exceptional Lismore pattern and Colleen. During the 1960’s and 1970’s demand for Waterford Crystal expanded dramatically. The glasshouse grew in size and stature to become the largest factory of its kind, in the world.

In the 1980’s technology improved the accuracy of the raw materials mix, known in the crystal industry as the ‘batch’. Furnace design was improved along with diamond cutting wheels, and these assisted Waterford’s craftsmen to create even more exciting and intricate patterns.

Today, Waterford Crystal continues the same dedication to quality, purity and stunning designs that was pursued by its predecessors. Whether it’s a magnificent chandelier, an illustrious trophy or a sparkling champagne flute, each piece of Waterford Crystal evolves from the best in raw materials and craftsmanship. Such artistry has earned Waterford its reputation for distinctive crystal with unsurpassed beauty and brilliance, recognised by the Waterford stamp on the base – the hallmark of excellence.