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Waterford Tableware
Waterford Crystal has become almost a synonym for the finest quality crystal sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world. The clarity of the crystal and with each piece watermarked with the word "Waterford", a signature befitting one of the finest crystal names in the world.
All Waterford Patterns
Waterford Tableware
The story of Waterford commences in 1783 with the opening of the Flint Glass Works on the busy quayside of the harbour town of Waterford, Ireland. Set up by George and William Penrose, their vision was to 'create the finest quality crystal of drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home'. Great marketers, they immediately began to woo the aristocracy, and produced a crystal service as a gift for her Majesty, Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. They were soon employing 50 people, and merchant ships were sailing regularly, bound for New York, Newfoundland, the West Indies and Spain.
In 1799 the works were sold to Jonathan Gatchell and the business continued to flourish until the mid 1820's. With the new introduction of taxes on the import and export of crystal, the financial burden took its toll and by 1851 Waterford Crystal closed its doors.
The legend of Waterford Crystal became engrained in every successive generation, particularly for the many that emigrated to America. As a result crystal was commonly referred to as Waterford. It was in the 1940's that the revival of Waterford Crystal became a serious endeavour and with Europe so recently ravaged by war, it was easy to recruit skilled glassblowers and cutters from the continent. It wasn't long before Waterford Crystal once more graced the finest dining tables around the world.
In 2002 Waterford celebrated the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Lismore pattern. Almost since its inception, Lismore has topped the popularity list and has been the biggest selling pattern of crystal in America and the world.
