PROFILE WATERFORD Waterford: W
aterford Crystal designs, manufactures and markets an extensive range of
crystal stemware, barware and giftware for distribution throughout the world. In recent years, Waterford has built upon its reputation as a leading source of prestigious tabletop and gift products by expanding into several new businesses. Signifi cant expansions into tabletop and gifts have occurred with the launch of the Marquis by Waterford, the addition of Waterford Fine China, Waterford Fine Flatware, and Waterford Holiday Heirlooms. Each of those initiatives refl ects the company’s commitment to creating prestigious products -- for gift giving, entertaining, and home decorating -- whose classic designs transcend time.
The company of Waterford was fi rst established in 1783 on land adjacent to Merchants’ Quay in the heart of the Irish harbour town of Waterford. Its founders were two brothers, William and George Penrose, who were important developers and principal exporters in the city. Their vision was to “create the fi nest quality crystal for drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home.” More than two hundred years later, the reputation they established for creating glass of unsurpassed beauty and quality has transcended the intervening centuries.
Products which have extended the power of the Waterford brand beyond its core crystal products include Waterford China, Waterford Table & Bed Linens, Waterford Stainless Flatware and Silver Gifts, Waterford Writing Instruments, Waterford Holiday Heirlooms and Waterford Crystal Jewellery.
a combination of rich heritage
and design innovation As part of our annual Crystal feature we profi le one of the most high profi le brands in this elusive market
Waterford Crystal, today, is the leading brand of premium crystal. Its products - superb handcrafted crystal stemware, giftware and lighting ware - are designed and manufactured to the highest standards.
The brand’s reputation among its target market - upscale men and women - in its major markets is such that it has taken the brand to the heights that it now occupies. The target consumers simply regard Waterford Crystal as the best for self and gift purchase.
Waterford Crystal has become almost a synonym for the fi nest quality crystal sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world.
The Museum Collection
The House of Waterford Crystal Collection for 2011 emphasises the craftsmanship that has underpinned Waterford’s success, rich heritage and constant design innovation. The Museum collection displays the extraordinary complexity and quality of detail that recalls Waterford’s origins in Georgian Ireland and is the hallmark of the craftsmanship that created its enduring crystal sparkle. The Museum Collection replicates a number of the original
Waterford Crystal pieces that reside in the National Museum of Ireland, in the intricately cut style of the early years of Waterford. Dating back to the 18th century, they represent the pinnacle of the Master Craftsman’s art. The collection replicates eight of the original Waterford Crystal pieces that reside in the National Museum of Ireland, in the intricately cut style of the early years of Waterford. Dating back to the 18th century, they represent the pinnacle of the Master Craftsman’s art. The new House of Waterford Crystal opened in the centre of Waterford City in 2010. In its fi rst year of operation, it has produced more than 40,000 handcrafted crystal pieces employing some of the most skilled glass blowers and engravers in the industry today.
www.uk.wwrd.com
TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 27
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