Waterford marks

About Waterford Crystal

George and William Penrose established a glassmaking business in Waterford, Ireland, in 1783. Its drinking glasses, decanters and decorative wares developed a reputation for clear glass and cut ornament. Jonathan Gatchell and other investors acquired the business in 1799. The original factory closed in the early 1850s, ending the first period of Waterford manufacture.

Glassmaking resumed in 1947 when Karel, also known as Charles, Bacik helped establish a new factory. Czech glassmaker Miroslav Havel became its chief designer. He studied earlier Waterford glass and pattern books at the National Museum in Dublin, adapting traditional cutting ideas for the revived company. His Lismore design, introduced in 1952, became one of Waterford’s best-known patterns. The range grew to include stemware, bowls, vases, lighting and presentation pieces.

Waterford expanded during the later twentieth century, with factories at Kilbarry and Dungarvan. Financial difficulties brought receivership and the end of production at the old Waterford factory in 2009. A smaller manufacturing and visitor facility opened in the city centre in June 2010, while much of the wider range was made overseas. Paper labels, Gothic name etchings and later seahorse etchings identify different parts of the revived brand’s output.