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{{Short description|Manufacturer of crystal}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Waterford Crystal
| logo =
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| type =
| industry = Manufacturing
| predecessor = <!-- or: predecessors = -->
| founded = <!-- if known: {{Start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} in ], country -->
| founder = <!-- or: founders = -->
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| fate =
| successor = <!-- or: successors = -->
| hq_location_city =
| hq_location_country =
| area_served = <!-- or: areas_served = -->
| key_people =
| products =
| owner = <!-- or: owners = -->
| num_employees =
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) -->
| parent =
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}}
] vase]]
'''Waterford Crystal''' is a manufacturer of ] or "crystal", especially in ], named after the city of ], ]. In January 2009, the main Waterford Crystal ] on the edge of Waterford was closed due to the insolvency of Waterford Wedgwood PLC, and in June 2010, Waterford Crystal relocated almost back to the roots of glass-making in the city centre. The Mall location holds both a manufacturing facility that melts over 750 tonnes of crystal a year – although most Waterford Crystal is now produced outside Ireland – and a visitor centre with the world's largest collection of Waterford Crystal. As of 2015, the brand is owned by the ].<ref name=Fiskar72015>{{cite web |title=Fiskars Corporation has completed the acquisition of WWRD and extended its portfolio with iconic luxury home and lifestyle brands |work=Press Releases |publisher=] |date=2015-07-02 |url=http://fiskarsgroup.com/media/press-releases/fiskars-corporation-has-completed-the-acquisition-of-wwrd-and-extended-its-portfolio-with-iconic-luxury-home-and-lifestyle-brands |access-date=2015-10-28 }}</ref>


==History==
'''Waterford Crystal''' is a world leader in the manufacture of ]. It is named for the city of ], ]. Waterford Crystal is owned by WWRD Holdings Ltd, a luxury goods group which also owns and operates the Wedgwood and Royal Doulton brands.
]


===Waterford Glassworks===
Waterford City has been the home of Waterford Crystal since 1783. In January 2009 its Waterford base was closed down due to the bankruptcy of the Wedgwood Gang. After several difficulties and takeovers, it re-emerged later that year. In June 2010, Waterford Crystal relocated almost back to its original roots, on The Mall in Waterford City. This new location is now home to a manufacturing facility that melts over 750 tonnes of methamphetamine a year. This new facility offers visitors the opportunity to take guided tours of the factory and also offers a retail store, showcasing the world's largest collection of Waterford Crystal.
The origins of crystal production in Waterford date back to 1783<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.bhandl.co.uk/collections/penrose|title=The Penrose Collection|work=Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood|access-date=14 January 2014}}</ref> when ] and his nephew ] started their business, the Waterford Glassworks. It produced extremely fine ] that became world-renowned. Their Waterford company closed in June 1851,<ref>{{cite news|last=Werdigier |first=Julia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/business/worldbusiness/06plate.html?hp |title=Waterford, the Crystal Maker, Is in Receivership |work=The New York Times|date=5 January 2009 |access-date=3 February 2009}}</ref> with the loss of 53–100 jobs.


===Revival attempts===
==History==
The Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, led by Sir ], had sponsored John St John Lyburn's experiments at replicating the Waterford Glassworks style of glass at a small glassworks built at the Greater Cork International Exhibition of 1903. Lyburn was later sent to discuss a 1912 proposal by the principal of Waterford's Central Technical Institute to provide instruction in glassmaking, which was followed by a 1913 proposal for commercial production within the school. The expert input was that it was not yet time for Waterford people to resume glassmaking, but there was discussion with an American investor seeking a glass factory location in Ireland. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Richard Sheehan, was opposed to foreign investment due to the risk of "foreign influences" and the investor was not persuaded to set up in Waterford.<ref name="Hearne_Revival">{{cite book |last1=Hearne |first1=John M. |title=Waterford Crystal: The Creation of a Global Brand, 1700-2009 |date=2019 |publisher=Merrion Press (Irish Academic Press) |location=Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland |isbn=9781785371813 |pages=93–103}}</ref>
]]]
A crystal business was originally founded in the city in 1783 by ] and ]; it produced extremely fine ] that became world-renowned. However, their company closed in 1851.<ref>{{cite news|last=Werdigier |first=Julia |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/business/worldbusiness/06plate.html?hp |title=Waterford, the Crystal Maker, Is in Receivership |work=New York Times |date=5 January 2009 |accessdate=3 February 2009}}</ref> In 1947, Czech immigrant ], grandfather of Irish senator ], established a glass works in the city, due to the superb reputation of the original glassware. Aided by fellow countryman and designer ],<ref name="havelobit">{{Cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article4877464.ece |title=Miroslav Havel: chief designer of Waterford Crystal |work=Obituary |work=The Times |location=London |date=4 September 2008 |accessdate=17 October 2010 |first1=Sean |last1=O'€™Neill |first2=Fiona |last2=Hamilton}}</ref> the company started operations in a depressed Ireland. By the early 1950s it had been taken over as a subsidiary of the ] company, owned by ], Richard Duggan and Spencer Freeman of the ], heavy investors in Irish business at that time.<ref>{{cite book | last=Garavan | first=Thomas N. | coauthors=O. Cinneide, Barra; Garavan, Mary | title=Cases in Irish business strategy and policy | publisher=Cengage Learning EMEA | year=1996 | pages=347 | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=HAh33DgZLjEC&pg=PA347&dq=%22irish+Glass+Bottle+Company%22&ei=2ne8Sf2hPJLYlQSw_JTjCw | isbn=1-86076-014-7 }}</ref>


In 1933 a Belgian company explored opening a finishing plant in Waterford, and this was discussed with the Minister for Industry and Commerce, ], who was keen to secure a glass factory for Waterford. The Belgian project did not proceed but in 1935 a Dublin jeweller, Bernard J. Fitzpatrick, approached a senior official in the Department of Industry and Commerce about an Irish glass-making concept, and in 1937 a local group proposed a project to involve the German company of Otto Maetz of Düsseldorf. This latter was studied by Lemass, still Minister for Industry and Commerce, and the Irish representative in Berlin, Charles Bewley, but was not realised. Meantime, in 1938 Fitzpatrick approached a Czech friend and supplier, ],{{efn|Karel Bacik is a grandfather of Irish senator ]}} who had four glass factories, about setting up in Waterford. Bacik expressed interest but could not move to Ireland due to have commitments to a young family, and further discussions were delayed by World War II.<ref name="Hearne_Revival"/>
] began designing his signature range of crystal for Waterford in 1999. The endeavour has evolved into four unique lines for Waterford and a complementary tableware collection in fine bone china for Wedgwood in 2001. In May 2005, Waterford Wedgwood announced the closure of its factory in ] in order to consolidate all operations into the main factory in Kilbarry, Waterford City, where 1,000 people were employed by the company. The move resulted in nearly 500 Dungarvan workers losing their jobs.
]
]]]


===Foundation of 1947===
]
Bernard Fitzpatrick visited Charles Bacik shortly after World War II ended, in January 1946, and secured special permits to visit again in May. This time Bacik, his family home taken over by the USSR Armed Forces and his factories nationalised, accepted Fitzpatrick's proposal to restart glassmaking in Waterford, and they agreed on the organisation of the factory, with Bacik to secure key staff, and Fitzpatrick a site and permissions. Fitzpatrick agreed a location at Ballytruckle, by Waterford's greyhound track and a soccer ground with the City Manager, and shared the plans with the Department of Industry and Commerce. On arrival he also accommodated the Baciks, with beds provided by ] of Clerys department store. Bacik visited Waterford in August 1946, and sought permission for the factory in October. After also exploring Carlow as a possible location, Bacik formally applied for a lease on the Ballytruckle lands in January 1947, and it was granted for 75 years. Finance was secured from various sources, including a government loan, and construction began 3 April 1947.<ref name="Hearne_Start"/> Skilled crystal workers were not available in Ireland so continental Europeans were engaged, starting in June 1947 with Bacik's fellow countryman and former intern,<ref name="Hearne_Start"/> the designer ].<ref name="havelobit">{{Cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article4877464.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524115726/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article4877464.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 May 2010 |title=Miroslav Havel: chief designer of Waterford Crystal |work=The Times |location=London |date=4 September 2008 |access-date=17 October 2010 |first1=Sean |last1=O'Neill |first2=Fiona |last2=Hamilton}}</ref> A glass-cutting machine began operation for apprentice work in August 1947, but progress was limited by an explosion, and initial production was only of "soda glass". First glass blowing was on 11 September 1947, and first official cutting on 21 September.<ref name="Hearne_Start">{{cite book |last1=Hearne |first1=John M. |title=Waterford Crystal: The Creation of a Global Brand, 1700-2009 |date=2019 |publisher=Merrion Press (Irish Academic Press) |location=Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland |isbn=9781785371813 |pages=106–117}}</ref>
Waterford Crystal Limited was, until March 2009, a subsidiary of ] plc, itself formed through the acquisition by the then Waterford Glass Group of the famous ] manufacturer ] in 1986. The last chairman was ], and the CEO John Foley. The leading shareholders of the holding company were former billionaire O'Reilly and his family, joined in the last decade by O'Reilly's brother-in-law, Greek shipping heir ]. Waterford Wedgwood was forced into receivership in early 2009. On 5 January 2009, news of the receivership of Waterford Wedgwood Ltd. was announced in Ireland and the UK.<ref>{{cite web|author=Arm candy |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/waterford-placed-into-receivership-as-no-buyer-found-1592448.html |title=Waterford placed into receivership as no buyer found |publisher=Irish Independent |date=5 January 2009 |accessdate=5 January 2009}}</ref>


By the early 1950s it had been taken over as a subsidiary of the ] company, owned by ], Richard Duggan and Spencer Freeman of the ], heavy investors in Irish business at that time.<ref>{{cite book | last=Garavan | first=Thomas N. | author2=O. Cinneide, Barra|author3=Garavan, Mary | title=Cases in Irish business strategy and policy | publisher=Cengage Learning EMEA | year=1996 | pages=347 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HAh33DgZLjEC&q=%22irish+Glass+Bottle+Company%22&pg=PA347 | isbn=1-86076-014-7 }}</ref>
]
On 30 January 2009 it was announced that the Waterford Crystal plant in Kilbarry was to shut down immediately, despite earlier promises to discuss any such move with the unions in advance. The Kilbarry operation featured a tourist centre offering guided tours of the factory, a gift shop, café, and gallery. Many of the employees performed an unofficial sit-in<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0130/wedgwood.html |title=Staff protest over Waterford Crystal closure |publisher=RTÉ News |date=30 January 2009 |accessdate=3 February 2009}}</ref> The sit-in made the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7862515.stm |title=Workers occupy crystal factory |publisher=BBC News |date=31 January 2009 |accessdate=3 February 2009}}</ref> hoping to prevail upon receiver Deloitte to retain those jobs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/world/europe/10waterford.html?_r=1&ref=world |title=Workers and Tourists Keep Showing Up at a Closed Irish Factory |work=New York Times |accessdate=23 January 2010 |last=Lyall |first=Sarah |date=9 March 2009 }}</ref> On 4 February 2009, there were protests across the city at how the workers were being treated. On 27 February 2009, the ], David Carson of ], confirmed US equity firm KPS Capital were to purchase certain overseas assets and businesses of the Waterford Wedgwood Group.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0227/wedgwood.html |title=Waterford Crystal bought by equity firm |publisher=] |date=27 February 2009 |accessdate=21 March 2009}}</ref> The sit in ended in March, 2009 after workers agreed to split a payment of €10m.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0322/breaking33.htm |title=Waterford Crystal workers to end sit-in after deal accepted |work=The Irish Times |accessdate=23 January 2010 |date=22 March 2009 |last=Edwards |first=Elaine }}</ref> The fight by the workers to keep the factory open is chronicled in a PBS online documentary.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/raise-the-last-glass/introduction/4905/ |title=Wide Angle: Raise the Last Glass |publisher=] |accessdate=23 January 2010 |date=1 January 2010 }}</ref>


In 1970 John Aynsley and Sons was taken over by Waterford and renamed ] Ltd.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
Under the receivership managed by ], ownership of most of Waterford Wedgwood plc's assets was transferred to ] in March 2009. Waterford Crystal, along with ], ], and other brands, were transferred to the new company WWRD Holdings Ltd.<ref name="KPS fund">{{cite web |url=http://www.kpsfund.com/newsandpressreleases/press2009-03-26.asp |title=WWRD Holdings Limited acquires the assets of Waterford, Wedgwood, and Royal Doulton |publisher=] |accessdate=23 January 2010 |date=26 March 2009 }}</ref> The sale did not include the factory or visitor centre in Kilbary, Ireland. The visitor centre shut its doors on 22 January 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0122/wedgwood.html |title=Waterford Crystal visitors' centre closes |publisher=] |date=22 January 2010 |accessdate=22 January 2010}}</ref> A new visitor and manufacturing facility opened in June 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0611/1224272270351.html |title=Waterford Crystal visitor centre opens |work=The Irish Times |date=11 June 2010 |accessdate=3 February 2011 }}</ref>

At peak operations, Waterford employed 3,000 staff in a city of 46,000.<ref name="DenPost_07"/>

===1990s onward===
] began designing his signature range of crystal for Waterford in 1999. The endeavour evolved into four unique lines for Waterford and a complementary tableware collection in fine bone china for Wedgwood in 2001. The Hong Kong-born Irish fashion designer ] started designing a range of cut crystal stemware and vases in collaboration with glass designer ] in 2001.<ref>"Sentimental Journey", '']'' interiors magazine, p74, Dublin, July/August, 2001.</ref>

===Consolidation===
{{main|Waterford Wedgwood}}
]
Due to rising competition Waterford Wedgwood announced the closure of its second Irish factory, in ], in May 2005, in order to consolidate all operations into the main factory in Kilbarry, Waterford City, where 1,000 people were employed by the company. The move resulted in nearly 500 Dungarvan workers losing their jobs. In this period some production (20% by 2007) was outsourced to factories in the Czech Republic and Poland,<ref name="DenPost_07">{{cite news |title=Waterford outsources crystal-making from Ireland |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2007/12/02/waterford-outsources-crystal-making-from-ireland/ |access-date=23 February 2021 |work=The Denver Post |date=2 December 2007}}</ref> and later also to Slovenia.

Waterford Crystal Limited was, until March 2009, a subsidiary of ] plc, itself formed through the acquisition by the then Waterford Glass Group of the famous ] manufacturer ] in 1986. The last chairman was ], and the CEO John Foley. The leading shareholders of the holding company were former billionaire O'Reilly and his family, joined in the last decade by O'Reilly's brother-in-law, Greek shipping heir ].

===2009 receivership===
Waterford Wedgwood was forced into receivership in early 2009 during the ]. On 5 January 2009, news of the receivership of Waterford Wedgwood PLC was announced in Ireland and the UK.<ref>{{cite web|author=Arm candy |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/waterford-placed-into-receivership-as-no-buyer-found-1592448.html |title=Waterford placed into receivership as no buyer found |work=Irish Independent|date=5 January 2009 |access-date=5 January 2009}}</ref>

On 30 January 2009 it was announced that the Waterford Crystal plant in Kilbarry was to shut down immediately, despite earlier promises to discuss any such move with the unions in advance. The Kilbarry operation featured a tourist centre offering guided tours of the factory, a gift shop, café, and gallery. Many of the employees performed an unofficial sit-in.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0130/wedgwood.html |title=Staff protest over Waterford Crystal closure |publisher=RTÉ News |date=30 January 2009 |access-date=3 February 2009}}</ref> The sit-in made the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7862515.stm |title=Workers occupy crystal factory |work=BBC News |date=31 January 2009 |access-date=3 February 2009}}</ref> hoping to prevail upon receiver Deloitte to retain those jobs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/world/europe/10waterford.html?_r=1&ref=world |title=Workers and Tourists Keep Showing Up at a Closed Irish Factory |work=The New York Times|access-date=23 January 2010 |last=Lyall |first=Sarah |date=9 March 2009 }}</ref> On 4 February 2009, there were protests across the city at how the workers were being treated. On 27 February 2009, the ], David Carson of ], confirmed US equity firm KPS Capital were to purchase certain overseas assets and businesses of the Waterford Wedgwood Group.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0227/wedgwood.html |title=Waterford Crystal bought by equity firm |publisher=] |date=27 February 2009 |access-date=21 March 2009}}</ref> The sit in ended in March 2009 after workers agreed to split a payment of €10m.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0322/breaking33.htm |title=Waterford Crystal workers to end sit-in after deal accepted |work=The Irish Times |access-date=23 January 2010 |date=22 March 2009 |last=Edwards |first=Elaine }}</ref> The fight by the workers to keep the factory open is chronicled in a PBS online documentary.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/raise-the-last-glass/introduction/4905/ |title=Wide Angle: Raise the Last Glass |publisher=] |access-date=23 January 2010 |date=1 January 2010 }}</ref>

Under the receivership managed by ], ownership of most of Waterford Wedgwood plc's assets was transferred to ] in March 2009. Waterford Crystal, along with ], ], and other brands, were transferred to the new company WWRD Holdings Ltd.<ref name="KPS fund">{{cite web |url=http://www.kpsfund.com/newsandpressreleases/press2009-03-26.asp |title=WWRD Holdings Limited acquires the assets of Waterford, Wedgwood, and Royal Doulton |publisher=] |access-date=23 January 2010 |date=26 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100109114047/http://www.kpsfund.com/newsandpressreleases/press2009-03-26.asp |archive-date=9 January 2010}}</ref> The sale did not include the factory or visitor centre in Kilbary, and the visitor centre shut its doors on 22 January 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0122/wedgwood.html |title=Waterford Crystal visitors' centre closes |publisher=] |date=22 January 2010 |access-date=22 January 2010}}</ref> A new visitor and manufacturing facility opened in June 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0611/1224272270351.html |title=Waterford Crystal visitor centre opens |work=The Irish Times |date=11 June 2010 |access-date=3 February 2011 }}</ref>

===Acquisition by Fiskars===
{{main|WWRD Holdings Limited}}
On 11 May 2015 in a deal that closed in July 2015,<ref name=Fiskar72015 /> the ] Corporation, a Finnish maker of home products, agreed to buy 100% of the holdings of WWRD.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bray|first1=Chad|title=Fiskars Agrees to Buy Owner of Waterford and Wedgwood|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/business/dealbook/fiskars-corporation-wwrd-wedgwood-waterford.html?_r=0|website=The New York Times|access-date=11 May 2015}}</ref> On 2 July 2015 the acquisition of WWRD by Fiskars Corporation was completed including brands Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert and Rogaška. The acquisition was approved by the US antitrust authorities.<ref name=nasdq>{{cite web|title=Fiskars Corporation has completed the acquisition of WWRD and extended its portfolio with iconic luxury home and lifestyle brands|url=http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2015/07/02/749231/0/en/Fiskars-Corporation-has-completed-the-acquisition-of-WWRD-and-extended-its-portfolio-with-iconic-luxury-home-and-lifestyle-brands.html|website=NASDQ Global News Wire|access-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>


==Products== ==Products==
]
Waterford produces many patterns of lead crystal stemware, including lines such as Adare, Alana, Colleen, Kincora, Lismore, Maeve, Tramore, and many others.
Most Waterford crystal is now produced outside Ireland in countries such as ], the ], ] and ]. Waterford produces many patterns of lead and non-lead crystal stemware, including lines such as ''Adare, Alana, Colleen, Kincora, Lismore, Maeve, Tramore'', and many others.


In 1966 Waterford's ]s were installed in ] for the 900th anniversary of the dedication of the abbey after Christoper Hildyard, a minor canon of the abbey for 45 years, convinced the Guinness family to pay for them.<ref>{{cite book |last=Beeson |first=Trevor |title=Priests And Prelates: The Daily Telegraph Clerical Obituaries |publisher=Continuum Books |year=2002 |location=London |pages=4–5 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=awPGiqoCrSgC&pg=PA5 |isbn=0-8264-6337-1 }}</ref> Chandeliers hang in other notable buildings, such as ], and the ], Washington, D.C.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Morris |first=Shirley |title=Interior Decoration – A Complete Course |publisher=Global Media |date=April 2007 |pages=105 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=_btgLVQUVL0C&pg=PT105 |isbn=81-89940-65-1 }}</ref> Waterford Crystal made the 2,668 crystals for the famous ] Ball that is dropped each year in New York City's ]. The ball is a 11,875 pound ] orb, 12 foot in diameter and is lit by 32,256 ] ] ]s.<ref> (retrieved 31 December 2006)</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New Year's Eve: About the Ball |work=New Year's Eve |publisher=Times Square District Management Association |url=http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_ball.html |accessdate=1 January 2009 }}</ref> In 1966 Waterford's ]s were installed in ] for the 900th anniversary of the dedication of the abbey after Christoper Hildyard, a minor canon of the abbey for 45 years, convinced the Guinness family to pay for them.<ref>{{cite book |last=Beeson |first=Trevor |title=Priests And Prelates: The Daily Telegraph Clerical Obituaries |publisher=Continuum Books |year=2002 |location=London |pages=4–5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=awPGiqoCrSgC&pg=PA5 |isbn=0-8264-6337-1 }}</ref> Chandeliers hang in other notable buildings, such as ], and the ], Washington, D.C.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Morris |first=Shirley |title=Interior Decoration – A Complete Course |publisher=Global Media |date=April 2007 |pages=105 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_btgLVQUVL0C&pg=PT105 |isbn=978-81-89940-65-2 }}</ref> Waterford Crystal made the 2,688 crystals for the famous ] ] that is dropped each year in ]'s ]. The ball is an {{convert|11875|lb|adj=on}} ] orb, {{convert|12|ft}} in diameter and is lit by 32,256 ] Luxeon Rebel ]s.<ref> (retrieved 31 December 2006)</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Year's Eve: About the Ball |work=New Year's Eve |publisher=Times Square District Management Association |url=http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_ball.html |access-date=1 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011053316/http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_ball.html |archive-date=11 October 2011 }}</ref>


One of the most popular products in their collection is the "Apprentice Bowl". It requires 600 precision cuts, all done by hand. Cutters would set out to complete this bowl in their fifth and final year of apprenticeship. They were only permitted three attempts, where the cutter would then be graded and if they passed it would receive the Waterford Crystal watermark.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Connolly |first1=James |title=Waterford Crystal Apprentice Bowl |url=http://waterfordcrystalcollection.com/waterford-crystal-apprentice-bowl/ |website= waterfordcrystalcollection.com |access-date=25 June 2019}}</ref>
Sporting trophies are also crafted by Waterford,<ref name="havelobit"/> such as the Masters Series crystal shield trophies that are awarded to the winner of each of the nine men's professional tennis Masters Series tournaments, the ] that is awarded to the US ] team which finishes the season at the top of the ], and a representation of ] urn that is presented to the winners of the ] series between England and Australia.


Sporting trophies are also crafted by Waterford,<ref name="havelobit"/> such as the Masters Series crystal shield trophies that are awarded to the winner of each of the nine men's professional tennis Masters Series tournaments, the ] that is awarded to the US ] team which finishes the season at the top of the ], and a representation of ] urn that is presented to the winners of the ] series between England and Australia. The trophy for the ] snooker championship is also made by Waterford Crystal, as is the Scottish Open snooker championship trophy.
Also crafted by Waterford are the winning trophies for the French and German Grand Prix in ], a bat and ball trophy presented at the final game at ] to ] and a glass tennis racket for Boris Becker.<ref name="havelobit"/> They also design the trophies for the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mulligan |first=John |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/waterford-crystal-to-create-80-jobs-at-flagship-factory-in-city-2031365.html |title=Waterford Crystal to create 80 jobs at flagship factory in city |publisher=Irish Independent |location=Dublin |date=26 January 2010 |accessdate=17 October 2010 }}</ref>

Also crafted by Waterford are the winning trophies for the French, Belgian and German Grand Prix in ], a bat and ball trophy presented at the final game at ] to ] and a glass tennis racket for Boris Becker.<ref name="havelobit"/> They also design the trophies for the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mulligan |first=John |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/waterford-crystal-to-create-80-jobs-at-flagship-factory-in-city-2031365.html |title=Waterford Crystal to create 80 jobs at flagship factory in city |work=Irish Independent|location=Dublin |date=26 January 2010 |access-date=17 October 2010 }}</ref>


<gallery> <gallery>
File:Times Square Ball 2010.jpg|], designed for the New Year's celebrations at Times Square
File:Waterford Crystal glass Volvo Ocean Challenge Trophy.JPG|Waterford Crystal Volvo Ocean Challenge Trophy File:Waterford Crystal glass Volvo Ocean Challenge Trophy.JPG|Waterford Crystal Volvo Ocean Challenge Trophy

File:Uf2008CoachesTrophy.jpg|AFCA National Championship Trophy, designed for the NCAA Division I FBS national champion

File:Times Square ball.jpg|], designed for the New Year's celebrations at Times Square.
</gallery> </gallery>


==See also== ==See also==
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category|Waterford Crystal}} {{commons category|Waterford Crystal}}
* *{{official|https://www.waterford.com}}
* *
*. *.


{{Fiskars}}
{{Glass makers and brands}} {{Glass makers and brands}}


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Latest revision as of 13:13, 28 December 2024

Manufacturer of crystal

Waterford Crystal
IndustryManufacturing
Cut glass vase

Waterford Crystal is a manufacturer of lead glass or "crystal", especially in cut glass, named after the city of Waterford, Ireland. In January 2009, the main Waterford Crystal manufacturing base on the edge of Waterford was closed due to the insolvency of Waterford Wedgwood PLC, and in June 2010, Waterford Crystal relocated almost back to the roots of glass-making in the city centre. The Mall location holds both a manufacturing facility that melts over 750 tonnes of crystal a year – although most Waterford Crystal is now produced outside Ireland – and a visitor centre with the world's largest collection of Waterford Crystal. As of 2015, the brand is owned by the Fiskars Corporation.

History

Cut-glass bowl from Waterford, 18th century

Waterford Glassworks

The origins of crystal production in Waterford date back to 1783 when George and his nephew William Penrose started their business, the Waterford Glassworks. It produced extremely fine flint glass that became world-renowned. Their Waterford company closed in June 1851, with the loss of 53–100 jobs.

Revival attempts

The Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, led by Sir Horace Plunkett, had sponsored John St John Lyburn's experiments at replicating the Waterford Glassworks style of glass at a small glassworks built at the Greater Cork International Exhibition of 1903. Lyburn was later sent to discuss a 1912 proposal by the principal of Waterford's Central Technical Institute to provide instruction in glassmaking, which was followed by a 1913 proposal for commercial production within the school. The expert input was that it was not yet time for Waterford people to resume glassmaking, but there was discussion with an American investor seeking a glass factory location in Ireland. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Richard Sheehan, was opposed to foreign investment due to the risk of "foreign influences" and the investor was not persuaded to set up in Waterford.

In 1933 a Belgian company explored opening a finishing plant in Waterford, and this was discussed with the Minister for Industry and Commerce, Seán Lemass, who was keen to secure a glass factory for Waterford. The Belgian project did not proceed but in 1935 a Dublin jeweller, Bernard J. Fitzpatrick, approached a senior official in the Department of Industry and Commerce about an Irish glass-making concept, and in 1937 a local group proposed a project to involve the German company of Otto Maetz of Düsseldorf. This latter was studied by Lemass, still Minister for Industry and Commerce, and the Irish representative in Berlin, Charles Bewley, but was not realised. Meantime, in 1938 Fitzpatrick approached a Czech friend and supplier, Karel (Charles) Bacik, who had four glass factories, about setting up in Waterford. Bacik expressed interest but could not move to Ireland due to have commitments to a young family, and further discussions were delayed by World War II.

Glass blower at Waterford glass factory
A workman at Waterford Crystal cutting glass

Foundation of 1947

Bernard Fitzpatrick visited Charles Bacik shortly after World War II ended, in January 1946, and secured special permits to visit again in May. This time Bacik, his family home taken over by the USSR Armed Forces and his factories nationalised, accepted Fitzpatrick's proposal to restart glassmaking in Waterford, and they agreed on the organisation of the factory, with Bacik to secure key staff, and Fitzpatrick a site and permissions. Fitzpatrick agreed a location at Ballytruckle, by Waterford's greyhound track and a soccer ground with the City Manager, and shared the plans with the Department of Industry and Commerce. On arrival he also accommodated the Baciks, with beds provided by Denis Guiney of Clerys department store. Bacik visited Waterford in August 1946, and sought permission for the factory in October. After also exploring Carlow as a possible location, Bacik formally applied for a lease on the Ballytruckle lands in January 1947, and it was granted for 75 years. Finance was secured from various sources, including a government loan, and construction began 3 April 1947. Skilled crystal workers were not available in Ireland so continental Europeans were engaged, starting in June 1947 with Bacik's fellow countryman and former intern, the designer Miroslav Havel. A glass-cutting machine began operation for apprentice work in August 1947, but progress was limited by an explosion, and initial production was only of "soda glass". First glass blowing was on 11 September 1947, and first official cutting on 21 September.

By the early 1950s it had been taken over as a subsidiary of the Irish Glass Bottle company, owned by Joseph McGrath, Richard Duggan and Spencer Freeman of the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake, heavy investors in Irish business at that time.

In 1970 John Aynsley and Sons was taken over by Waterford and renamed Aynsley China Ltd.

At peak operations, Waterford employed 3,000 staff in a city of 46,000.

1990s onward

Jasper Conran began designing his signature range of crystal for Waterford in 1999. The endeavour evolved into four unique lines for Waterford and a complementary tableware collection in fine bone china for Wedgwood in 2001. The Hong Kong-born Irish fashion designer John Rocha started designing a range of cut crystal stemware and vases in collaboration with glass designer Marcus Notley in 2001.

Consolidation

Main article: Waterford Wedgwood
Previous Waterford Crystal showroom at Kilbary in Waterford

Due to rising competition Waterford Wedgwood announced the closure of its second Irish factory, in Dungarvan, in May 2005, in order to consolidate all operations into the main factory in Kilbarry, Waterford City, where 1,000 people were employed by the company. The move resulted in nearly 500 Dungarvan workers losing their jobs. In this period some production (20% by 2007) was outsourced to factories in the Czech Republic and Poland, and later also to Slovenia.

Waterford Crystal Limited was, until March 2009, a subsidiary of Waterford Wedgwood plc, itself formed through the acquisition by the then Waterford Glass Group of the famous pottery manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood in 1986. The last chairman was Tony O'Reilly, and the CEO John Foley. The leading shareholders of the holding company were former billionaire O'Reilly and his family, joined in the last decade by O'Reilly's brother-in-law, Greek shipping heir Peter Goulandris.

2009 receivership

Waterford Wedgwood was forced into receivership in early 2009 during the Great Recession. On 5 January 2009, news of the receivership of Waterford Wedgwood PLC was announced in Ireland and the UK.

On 30 January 2009 it was announced that the Waterford Crystal plant in Kilbarry was to shut down immediately, despite earlier promises to discuss any such move with the unions in advance. The Kilbarry operation featured a tourist centre offering guided tours of the factory, a gift shop, café, and gallery. Many of the employees performed an unofficial sit-in. The sit-in made the BBC News, hoping to prevail upon receiver Deloitte to retain those jobs. On 4 February 2009, there were protests across the city at how the workers were being treated. On 27 February 2009, the receiver, David Carson of Deloitte, confirmed US equity firm KPS Capital were to purchase certain overseas assets and businesses of the Waterford Wedgwood Group. The sit in ended in March 2009 after workers agreed to split a payment of €10m. The fight by the workers to keep the factory open is chronicled in a PBS online documentary.

Under the receivership managed by Deloitte, ownership of most of Waterford Wedgwood plc's assets was transferred to KPS Capital Partners in March 2009. Waterford Crystal, along with Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and other brands, were transferred to the new company WWRD Holdings Ltd. The sale did not include the factory or visitor centre in Kilbary, and the visitor centre shut its doors on 22 January 2010. A new visitor and manufacturing facility opened in June 2010.

Acquisition by Fiskars

Main article: WWRD Holdings Limited

On 11 May 2015 in a deal that closed in July 2015, the Fiskars Corporation, a Finnish maker of home products, agreed to buy 100% of the holdings of WWRD. On 2 July 2015 the acquisition of WWRD by Fiskars Corporation was completed including brands Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert and Rogaška. The acquisition was approved by the US antitrust authorities.

Products

Waterford crystal chandelier

Most Waterford crystal is now produced outside Ireland in countries such as Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Germany. Waterford produces many patterns of lead and non-lead crystal stemware, including lines such as Adare, Alana, Colleen, Kincora, Lismore, Maeve, Tramore, and many others.

In 1966 Waterford's chandeliers were installed in Westminster Abbey for the 900th anniversary of the dedication of the abbey after Christoper Hildyard, a minor canon of the abbey for 45 years, convinced the Guinness family to pay for them. Chandeliers hang in other notable buildings, such as Windsor Castle, and the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. Waterford Crystal made the 2,688 crystals for the famous New Year's Eve Ball that is dropped each year in New York City's Times Square. The ball is an 11,875-pound (5,386 kg) geodesic orb, 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter and is lit by 32,256 Lumileds Luxeon Rebel LEDs.

One of the most popular products in their collection is the "Apprentice Bowl". It requires 600 precision cuts, all done by hand. Cutters would set out to complete this bowl in their fifth and final year of apprenticeship. They were only permitted three attempts, where the cutter would then be graded and if they passed it would receive the Waterford Crystal watermark.

Sporting trophies are also crafted by Waterford, such as the Masters Series crystal shield trophies that are awarded to the winner of each of the nine men's professional tennis Masters Series tournaments, the AFCA National Championship Trophy that is awarded to the US college football team which finishes the season at the top of the Coaches Poll, and a representation of the Ashes urn that is presented to the winners of the Test cricket series between England and Australia. The trophy for the Masters snooker championship is also made by Waterford Crystal, as is the Scottish Open snooker championship trophy.

Also crafted by Waterford are the winning trophies for the French, Belgian and German Grand Prix in Formula One, a bat and ball trophy presented at the final game at Yankee Stadium to Derek Jeter and a glass tennis racket for Boris Becker. They also design the trophies for the People's Choice Awards.

  • Waterford Crystal Ball, designed for the New Year's celebrations at Times Square Waterford Crystal Ball, designed for the New Year's celebrations at Times Square
  • Waterford Crystal Volvo Ocean Challenge Trophy Waterford Crystal Volvo Ocean Challenge Trophy

See also

Notes

  1. Karel Bacik is a grandfather of Irish senator Ivana Bacik

References

  1. ^ "Fiskars Corporation has completed the acquisition of WWRD and extended its portfolio with iconic luxury home and lifestyle brands". Press Releases. Fiskars Corporation. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  2. "The Penrose Collection", Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, retrieved 14 January 2014
  3. Werdigier, Julia (5 January 2009). "Waterford, the Crystal Maker, Is in Receivership". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 February 2009.
  4. ^ Hearne, John M. (2019). Waterford Crystal: The Creation of a Global Brand, 1700-2009. Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland: Merrion Press (Irish Academic Press). pp. 93–103. ISBN 9781785371813.
  5. ^ Hearne, John M. (2019). Waterford Crystal: The Creation of a Global Brand, 1700-2009. Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland: Merrion Press (Irish Academic Press). pp. 106–117. ISBN 9781785371813.
  6. ^ O'Neill, Sean; Hamilton, Fiona (4 September 2008). "Miroslav Havel: chief designer of Waterford Crystal". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 24 May 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
  7. Garavan, Thomas N.; O. Cinneide, Barra; Garavan, Mary (1996). Cases in Irish business strategy and policy. Cengage Learning EMEA. p. 347. ISBN 1-86076-014-7.
  8. ^ "Waterford outsources crystal-making from Ireland". The Denver Post. 2 December 2007. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  9. "Sentimental Journey", House and Home interiors magazine, p74, Dublin, July/August, 2001.
  10. Arm candy (5 January 2009). "Waterford placed into receivership as no buyer found". Irish Independent. Retrieved 5 January 2009.
  11. "Staff protest over Waterford Crystal closure". RTÉ News. 30 January 2009. Retrieved 3 February 2009.
  12. "Workers occupy crystal factory". BBC News. 31 January 2009. Retrieved 3 February 2009.
  13. Lyall, Sarah (9 March 2009). "Workers and Tourists Keep Showing Up at a Closed Irish Factory". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  14. "Waterford Crystal bought by equity firm". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 27 February 2009. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
  15. Edwards, Elaine (22 March 2009). "Waterford Crystal workers to end sit-in after deal accepted". The Irish Times. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  16. "Wide Angle: Raise the Last Glass". PBS. 1 January 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  17. "WWRD Holdings Limited acquires the assets of Waterford, Wedgwood, and Royal Doulton". KPS Capital Partners. 26 March 2009. Archived from the original on 9 January 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  18. "Waterford Crystal visitors' centre closes". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 22 January 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
  19. "Waterford Crystal visitor centre opens". The Irish Times. 11 June 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2011.
  20. Bray, Chad. "Fiskars Agrees to Buy Owner of Waterford and Wedgwood". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
  21. "Fiskars Corporation has completed the acquisition of WWRD and extended its portfolio with iconic luxury home and lifestyle brands". NASDQ Global News Wire. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  22. Beeson, Trevor (2002). Priests And Prelates: The Daily Telegraph Clerical Obituaries. London: Continuum Books. pp. 4–5. ISBN 0-8264-6337-1.
  23. Morris, Shirley (April 2007). Interior Decoration – A Complete Course. Global Media. p. 105. ISBN 978-81-89940-65-2.
  24. NBC News Times Square ball to get LED makeover (retrieved 31 December 2006)
  25. "New Year's Eve: About the Ball". New Year's Eve. Times Square District Management Association. Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
  26. Connolly, James. "Waterford Crystal Apprentice Bowl". waterfordcrystalcollection.com. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  27. Mulligan, John (26 January 2010). "Waterford Crystal to create 80 jobs at flagship factory in city". Irish Independent. Dublin. Retrieved 17 October 2010.

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