waterford crystal

Blowing & Shaping … A Technique used for centuries.

The techniques and tools have changed little over the centuries since George and William Penrose first opened their glassmaking factory in 1783.

The craftsmen transform glowing balls of crystal into elegant shapes using their artistic instinct, their breath and traditional tools such as hollow iron rods and handmade wooden moulds.

Pot Setting:
Each Friday, the pots containing the molten crystal are removed for the furnace .. this is a very physical and demanding process in the raw heat generated by a 1400 degrees celcius furnace.

Jug making is a unique blowing craft that demands nothing less than excellence. The master jugmaker must add a handle and lip to the crystal shape using his basic tools and unerring skills.

As the handle cools, it is manually teased into the shape of an arch - a task that draws upon the exceptional skills and judgement of the master jugmaker.

Annealing
The blown crystal shape must be quickly transferred to an annealing oven. This allows the crystal to reach normal air temperature slowly, thereby avoiding stresses caused by rapid cooling, contraction and inevitable breakage. Annealing can take from 2 hours for a wine glass to about 16 hours for a large sports trophy.

Blank Processing:
The piece is now fully formed. Next, using diamond-tipped saws, the 'cap' is cut at a specified point, and the exposed rim is smoothed and bevelled. After washing, the blank piece is ready for the critical eye of the quality inspector.

Quality Inspection
You may wonder why you never find Waterford seconds. The answer is there are none. Outstanding quality remains the hallmark of Waterford Crystal. To maintain this level of quality, insisted upon by Waterford, quality control checks are carried out throughout the process. Each piece is given a thorough examination by highly trained quality control personnel. Only pieces which conform to the stringent quality standards of Waterford will continue to the next stage of the process. All others are destroyed.

Marking & Wedge Cutting:
The cutting teams, led by master craftsmen - working amidst the constant whirr of revolving cutting wheels and the grinding of crystal - create the deeply cut patterns that have made Waterford crystal famous since the 18th century.

There are two types of cutting; wedge and flat. The designs are cut by hand and from memory using a geometric guide marked onto the crystal.

Cutting:
Each type of cut is a unique craft - the skill and dexterity of which you will witness when you see these craftsmen at work.

Engraving/Sculpting:
Many famous sporting and commemorative events feature engraved Waterford Crystal as the treasured prize. Waterford has developed the largest copper wheel engraving department in the world; which creates unique works of art.

Master Craftsman's Workshop:
Take a step back in time here, avail of a unique opportunity to meet our master craftsmen in their place of work. They will share with you their craft skills of cutting and engraving and answer any questions in a relaxed atmosphere … giving life to the legend that is Waterford.

Visitor Services:
Once back in the Gallery, having witnessed the magic of Waterford being created, you can browse through the world's largest display of Waterford in magnificent surroundings. Our friendly staff are on hand and will be pleased to assist you. Items may be purchased in our gift shop and through our world-wide mailing service including pieces which are exclusive to the Gallery.

Our elegant restaurant is ideal for a snack or light meal.

Located off the Cork Road, N25 on the outskirts of Waterford.