Clear As Crystal W
ith a number of traditional British artisan companies either going out of business or moving abroad, it is
exciting to witness one, not only enduring, but thriving in the current climate. Cumbria Crystal is one of the last remaining English manufacturers of luxury hand-blown full lead crystal. Teir Grasmere design of stemware can be seen on the tables of the popular ITV drama Downton Abbey and, in testament to the quality of their products, the company also supply all of the Commonwealth embassies with crystal for their formal dinners. In her conversation with us, Katy Holford, Creative and Managing Director of Cumbria Crystal, speaks passionately and eloquently about this beautiful craft. Firstly, she explains the benefits of full lead
crystal, classified as such when it contains 30% lead in its makeup. “It gives the glass clarity, brilliance and weight,” she reveals. “From a
manufacturing perspective, it’s softer to cut. Other types of glasses are very hard so they’re difficult to cut and don’t polish well.” To be called crystal, glass must contain 24% lead, but it won’t have the shine and brilliance of full lead. “It’s all about appropriateness of material for making techniques,” Katy adds. So, where 24% lead crystal might be appropriate for clear glass, full lead crystal is far superior and gives a stunning finish and clarity to the glass. Katy’s expertise in this area is evident when she talks about the processes involved in crafting this material. It is no surprise considering her impressive design background, which includes the Laurent Perrier Design Award in 2004. Katy had been a design consultant and sculptor for over twenty years when she came to Cumbria Crystal, initially as the Creative Designer. When asked why she chose glass as her material of choice, Katy speaks with a tone of real affection in her voice. “I did a
Waterfront speaks to Katy Holford, Creative and Managing Director of Cumbria Crystal, about the fascinating processes involved in producing hand-cut full lead crystal
multi-disciplinary degree at Art College,” she explains, “so I tried lots of different types of design categories and glass and ceramics were the two that just drew me in.” When she was faced with the decision of which material to specialise in, Katy, of course, chose glass. “It’s a beautiful material to work with,” she explains. “Te whole fire, alchemical thing is really exciting. I’ve designed products in a whole raft of materials in my career and I always end up being drawn back to glass and crystal. It’s like my artistic home.” When Katy joined Cumbria Crystal as the
Creative Director, the company were keen to generate some new designs and move the business forward. Once Katy’s first collection was successfully launched, the Managing Director, feeling safe enough to do so, finally took a long yearned for opportunity to retire and the workforce asked Katy to take his place. After some deliberation, Katy decided that she had enough ideas about where the company could go to take on the momentous role and drive the company in a new direction. “Since I came on board, we have been completely focusing on the very top end of the luxury market,” she states assertively. “Tis is exactly
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