We Made It: Waterford Crystal

An introduction to the art of glass

by Karen KrizanovichMonday, 29 September 2014

A Master Cutter in action

For the longest time, Waterford Crystal was hardly the coolest brand: something your granny might buy, or a wedding present to be put away for “best” and never used. Now, though, the company has updated their image – in particular with a range of whisky glasses inspired by the world of Mad Men – but managed to build on their Master Cutters' long-established traditions of hard-won skill.

On the Bruichladdich site, Karen Krizanovich meets their designers and cutters to find out about the thinking and practice behind this meeting of old and new.

Explore topics

We made it

Share this article

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

more We made it

Strike: An Uncivil War review - shame of the nation How paramilitary policing broke the miners' spirit at Orgreave in 1984

We Made It: Guitar Maker Brian Cohen The incredible one-man string band

We Made It: Basket-maker Lois Walpole Weaving works of art from 'ghost gear' and the detritus of consumerism

We Made It: Horn Maker Tom Fisher Bespoke horns, handcrafted in a Derbyshire cellar

We Made It: Stufish Entertainment Architects From U2 and Madonna to Chinese theatre and the Martian Fighting Machine

We Made It: 'Carol' Costume Designer Sandy Powell How she brought a melange of styles to Todd Haynes's sublime period romance

We Made It: Stuntwoman Tracy Caudle Forget Evel Knievel: a well-crafted stunt is more about precision than daring

We Made It: 'The Revenant' Production Designer Jack Fisk How he stunningly recreated the authentic American frontier of 1823

We Made It: Double Bass Maker Laurence Dixon Love at first sight, a six-day week and the satisfaction of a job well done

We Made It: The Electric Recording Company Pete Hutchison's quest for musical perfection on vinyl

We Made It: Watchmaker Roger W Smith The world-leading horologist keeping British watchmaking alive, crafting exquisite timepieces by hand

We Made It: Concert hall acoustics The RSNO have a new concert hall. The lead acoustician explains why it sounds so good

Follow @theartsdesk