Some may already know the history and value of Waterford Crystal. If you have a piece [or multiple pieces] in a collection, you know its worth!! Our tour went through the factory where they make it...from a ball of glass, the furnace, the blowing of the crystal, and shaping. Then, from there the etching, cutting, etc. I think I will make this post into two parts. This first will show you the finished pieces. Then, the 2nd post will show you the steps in making the actuall pieces. Also, a note by the factory's guide, only clear crystal is made in Ireland. The colored pieces are made in Germany [or Scotland...I can't recall for sure]. So, here are some finished pieces. Trust me, each one is worth a mint!
Note: The clock is full 'grandfather clock size'. And, it chimes! The cyrstal harp...the harp is Ireland's country symbol. A special piece was contracted by an artist/journalist for 911...Ground Zero.
- This is a photo of a memorial in Waterford Crystal's Factory. It's at the very end of the tour as a tribute to Fr. M. Judge who died on that fateful day and it was inspired by the photo of the firefighters taking him out of the rubble."
Wow! And the clock, how amazing!!! I am sure it must be many thousands of dollars.
ReplyDeleteI agree, over priced. I'm sure.
DeleteThese pieces are amazing. That clock is really something. Interesting that only the clear crystal is made in Ireland.
ReplyDeleteHe never did explain that "color" fact.
DeleteI would love to have one of these in my nook, but then I would fret over if I broke it while dusitng and cleaning. the only one I don't love is the clock. its amazing but to ornate and I am trying to image what it looks like full size. I would love to visit and see them make a piece. we have a place in st pete, just 1/2 hour from here that makes glass, it is that artist that his glass is world famous and I can't think of his name. my friend went and watched. for a lot of money a person can make a piece of their own. I once went to a christmas party and the woman collected waterford, she had a whole 30 foot wall of glass inclosed cabinet and there was a babygrand waterford piano. her hubby sold cadilacs for a living and he said the baby grand cost more than a brand new cadilac. that means the memorial that is stunning and the clock are problem worth millions not dollars.
ReplyDeleteabout that outhouse on the cliff, I would never have gone in it. yikes.
Yes, they are very costly. A bit over priced to me (a non-collector).
DeleteWow - what a treat to see all of those exquisite beauties!
ReplyDeleteThey are exquisite. My favorite is the case of 4 seasons.
DeleteAnni, these crystal pieces are all so beautiful. The one that touched me the most was the 9/11 tribute to Fr. M. Judge because I just recently watched a new documentary on 9/11, which highlighted Judge; what an amazing man he was; and how he died on that day. Even to this day, whenever I visit the 9/11 Memorial, I still weep.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of Waterford Crystal, my mother had two pieces. Both were vases. She loved Waterford Crystal!
Another interesting post, my friend! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Ron!
DeleteIt is a treat to see all these beautiful pieces of crystal. The 911 tribute piece is awesome.
ReplyDeleteTake care, have a happy day!
The 911 piece is a majority favorite.
DeleteThe 911 tribute is amazing and touching. We had some Waterford Crystal, cut glass bowls when I was growing up but have no idea what happened to them.
ReplyDeleteYes, like so many pieces from the past all too often disappear.
DeleteWow! What incredibly beautiful pieces you've showcased! The grandfather piece and the 9/11 memorial are quite impressive.
ReplyDeleteThey were!
DeleteOh my goodness each piece takes your breath away. I love the bear and clock. The last one of the is amazing
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
🙂
DeleteOooooooh Anni, how beautiful! That clock...my word!!!! And that tribute piece to Fr. Judge.... how gorgeous!! I don't have any crystal and my mother didn't either...but I sure would have enjoyed taking a tour of this factory! I'd love to have that chandelier....and a house that would be fitting for it. *lol* ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteYa,but can you imagine trying to keep the chandelier dust free? That is a 4 letter word....W I R K
DeleteSuch work! Such skill!!!! Such beauty!!!!
ReplyDelete🌿🍃🌿🍃🌿
Your photos gave me a terrible urge to touch these pieces! My brother was a glass artist and my mother had just one Waterford small bowl that she gave to my sister. This was sure eye candy for me! It is very special and you are fortunate to have seen these in person!
ReplyDeleteI agree. The tour was special.
DeleteThey are all beautiful but that grandfather's clock is amazing! I can't imagine what it's worth!
ReplyDeleteOh and that 9/11 memorial. I have no words.....
ReplyDeleteThey are worth a fortune (at least the asking price)!
Delete🙂
DeleteThe craftsmanship is beyond belief. Simply stunning..no words for the 911 memorial.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the clear versus the other kind of glass. I would have loved to go on that tour.
We went on the Bing and Grondahl factory tour in Copenhagen. Fun things to look and and buy.
Sue
I forced myself to not buy!! Just drag 'em home (or have 'em shipped)) and then...you ask yourself,why?
DeleteThose are some elegant pieces. I am looking forward to seeing the process.
ReplyDelete...coming soon 🙂
DeleteWe almost bought 2 Martini Glasses when we were there several years ago. We didn't want to spend the money at the time, and I've regretted not buying them ever scense. I remember the 911 tribute as being very moving to see. Our tour group didn't spend much time there beyond the tour and time for lunch; but I would have liked to spend a day or two exploring the little town. It's so historic. Glad you enjoyed your tour. We were there with Insight Vacations, which tour group were you with?
ReplyDeleteThat is the problem with travel tours ...you get to go many places but never enough time in areas of interest collette
DeleteThey boggle my mind, especially the clock.
ReplyDeleteThat click was a work of genius.
DeleteThese are amazing pieces. I have a few that were given to me as wedding gifts. Always loved the look of Waterford. That clock is stunning, in fact all of these works are.
ReplyDeleteMy thought was the cleaning involved!
DeleteWow! Those pieces are so beautiful. The 911 memorial is very touching.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty awesome.
DeleteWowza... Some incredible pieces. That clock must cost more than the GNP of most small countries. Another fascinating stop on your magical tour. It brought to mind a book I enjoyed some time back: Edge of Glass...by Catherine Gaskin. It was written a long time ago, but is a mystery surrounding a family glassworks in Cloncath. Looking forward to the second part of this stop. ~Robin~ (TheCrankyCrow)
ReplyDelete🙂
DeleteAll the crystal pieces that you showed are wonderful but it's the chandelier that enchants me the most.
ReplyDeleteThe chandelier comment was me. Darn Blogger!
DeleteI loved the light fixture too! But, oh to keep it clean?!!
Delete😀
DeleteThese crystals look fantastic
ReplyDelete...they are.
DeleteIt is all so pretty.
ReplyDelete😊
DeleteLike that special piece made for Ground Zero.
ReplyDeleteIt is special and one of a kind!
DeleteWOW.. what a special September 11 tribute! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCarla
Glad you found it of interest.
DeleteHow special is that piece for 9-11! Wow!
ReplyDelete🙂
DeleteSuch beautiful pieces. And that 9-11 tribute one really wowed me.
ReplyDeleteIt was impressive
DeleteI have two Waterford crystal wine glasses......
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought so many beautiful things made of crystal??
I know
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