The Stuart Crystal family tradition began in 1827 when Frederick Stuart commenced work at the Redhouse Glassworks in Stourbridge, in the heart of England. Utilising the finest craftsmen in the land, the Stuart Crystal name rapidly built a reputation for superior quality, upholding traditional glass making skills, while bringing cutting edge designs to the consumer.

In 1853, to satisfy his search for knowledge and experience, Frederick Stuart formed a partnership with two local glassmakers, which then continued the Stuart Crystal success for many decades. So great was the success that in 1881, Frederick Stuart and his sons were able to purchase the Redhouse factory themselves, the largest Glassworks in Stourbridge. Interestingly, the Redhouse is a 110 foot tall glassmaking cone, a landmark that continues to dominate the landscape of this area.

Stuart Crystal has maintained a design philosophy of creative innovation and superior quality since its early beginnings. It has sought out artists and designers to collaborate with on the development of unique creations. This began with Graham Sutherland and Paul Nash, highly regarded artists from the 1930’s, whose inspired designs led to a collection exhibited at Harrods at the time.

Continuing this initiative saw John Luxton join the company in 1949, along with a new generation of cutters to satisfy the continuing growth of the Stuart Crystal business. Luxton’s designs were modern and unique and well ahead of their time. The existing Luxton range was designed by John Luxton recently when he was invited to create a new collection despite his retirement.

British fashion designer Jasper Conran also added to this reputation of ingenuity with a collection of contemporary, clean cut designs that perfectly complemented the ongoing superior quality and craftsmanship of Stuart Crystal. However in 2005, Stuart Crystal embarked on a brand new design direction and subsequently the partnership with Jasper Conran ceased, seeing him go on to forge an exciting new collaboration with Waterford Crystal.

In 2005, the Stuart Crystal brand re-launched with a nostalgic and feminine giftware collection that draws on the timeless romance and charm of its old English heritage. Renowned English interior stylist and author Christina Strutt, known widely for pioneering London’s famous Cabbages & Roses stores, was commissioned by Stuart Crystal to consult on product development and overall brand styling. The new-look pink and stone coloured packaging rejoices in the timeless romance and heritage of the brand, with the products wrapped in sepia printed tissue depicting a scene from the late 1880’s of the original Stuart factory known fondly as the “Redhouse”.