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| In Waterford, Ireland at the House of Waterford (aka, my "happy place). |
Ireland has so many things I love: great tea, family ties, daily rainbows and my forever happy place, Waterford, home of some of the most beautiful crystal in the world. Although it's been a decade since our visit, I'm reminded of that trip on many occasions - while drinking a hearty cup of Irish Breakfast tea, serving fancy drinks in my Waterford glasses and, most definitely, on St. Patrick's Day (now week!).
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| Our family is ready to begin the tour |
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| First stop, glass blowing |
In 2012, we journeyed to the Emerald Isle for just over a week with Dublin as our home base. Although we didn't stay in a castle, we did stay at the Castle Hotel, a few steps from O'Connell Street. From the hotel, we ventured out to the many attractions in Dublin in addition to several day trips which included stops at County Monaghan, Cork, Blarney Castle, Cobh and the sparkling jewel of the Irish crown, Waterford. The latter is home to Waterford House, a place filled with not only crystal treasures but afternoon tea as well. Oh, yes, this is a most happy place, indeed.
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| There's no margin for error in the process |
Although the trip from Dublin to Waterford provided more adventure than we had planned - a flooded train track, a reroute on a crowded bus - I found the most stressful part of the experience was deciding what crystal to purchase at the Waterford store.
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| Most stressful part of the experience. . |
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| . . . choosing what to buy |
The Waterford store/factory/tearoom is a dazzling connection to a history of and commitment to, craftsmanship that continues to impress today. We learned that Waterford Crystal was founded in the late 1700's by brothers George and William Penrose with a shared mission to create beautiful, high-quality crystal. It was an immediate success, but, by the mid-19th century, it suffered from tough economic times and closed shop.
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| The Waterford Crystal story begins in the late 1700's, founded by the Penrose brothers. |
Although it took almost a century to start anew, it was worth the wait. In 1947, Kael Black and fellow Czech Miroslave Havel brought Waterford back to life. They continued the traditional cutting patterns while also adding new designs. Havel is credited for creating Lismore, one of the world's best-selling crystal patterns.
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| Quality inspection is a large part of the crystal making process. Rachel takes on this intense role. |
The factory tour took our family through a chain of master artisans starting with the glass blowers. We moved down the line to molding, marking, cutting and sculpting. Quality inspections take place along the way. The whole process is a true spectator sport. Any imperfection may result in a restart which involves destruction and recycle. It's like watching a figure skater in the Olympics nailing a quadruple Axel - it will result in beautiful perfection or something that won't impress the judges.
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| The Waterford showroom includes beautiful chandeliers and crystal-filled tablescapes. |
And, speaking of sports, our tour concluded in the area where Waterford Crystal creates its unique items and awards, such as the PGA trophy. Other notables in the U.S. category of Waterford "gold" include the People's Choice award and the Times Square New Year's Eve ball.
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| Among the Wateford collection, unique pieces created for sports and celebrations. |
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| Cinderella's coach. I would love to add this to my glass pumpkin collection! |
After the tour, we explored the showroom that displayed products for sale as well as a few crystal tablescapes, all under the intoxicating glow of Waterford chandeliers. It took a while to decide what to purchase (and ship back home), but mission accomplished with an exquisite large bowl and a tiny footed compote dish. Add a delightful afternoon tea in the Waterford Cafe - which we did - and one completes the ultimate Waterford Crystal adventure.
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| Tea completes the ultimate Waterford adventure. |
Over the years, I've amassed a small collection of Waterford Crystal from a set of wine glasses (finally used a few years ago:
Vintage heirlooms debut after years of storage!), a pair of toasting glasses and my bowls purchased during our Ireland vacation. Perhaps a Waterford glass pumpkin or chandelier could be added to my thoughtfully curated crystal assortment?
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| My Wateford collection - room for a crystal pumpkin or chandelier? |
While I contemplate that further expansion, I'm brewing up some Irish breakfast tea and reminiscing about my happy place, Waterford, that's always open - in my memories at least.
A teacup cheers to all celebrating St. Patrick's Day week!
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| The House of Waterford is always open - in my memories, that is! |
1 comment:
I loved my tour there in 2005, where I purchased a bowl and three vases for family. Also purchased glassware here in the 90's, just because I wanted to, and have not used nearly enough. My pattern is Araglin. I finally learned the correct, and beautifully lyrical, pronunciation at the factory.
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