Stourbridge, in the British West Midlands, is the center of fine glassmaking in England and is home to “The Crystal Mile”—where the best glassworks are found. It was here, in 1827, that an eleven year old orphan, Frederick Stuart, was sent off to work. At the time, glass factories built large brick “cones”—tapered, oven-like structures, in which their glass and crystal were produced. Little Frederick worked in one called “The Red House Glass Works.” Small boys were cheaply hired and their little bodies were useful for quickly negotiating the busy shop floors—quickly running hot glass items from one station to another. Little did Frederick know that one day he would own a successful glassmaking company bearing his name (Stuart and Sons), a firm which would lease (and one day purchase!) the very Red House cone in which Frederick’s little hands labored.
Over its long life, Stuart Glassworks made drinking glasses, decanters, footed bowls, cocktail sets and other serviceware for the well-appointed table. During World War II, they made lightbulbs for airplane landing strips and vacuum tubes for use in radar. Stuart Glass was known for its high quality and seemingly-endless range of patterns and styles—and they mastered the art of applying enamel decoration to their blown and hand-cut products. Stuart Glass even created a special line of stemware and decanters—etched with the White Star emblem—for use on the Titanic’s maiden voyage (1912).
In 1995, Waterford, the Irish crystal manufacturer, purchased Stuart Glass. In 2001, Stuart & Sons ceased production. Today one can tour the restored Red House Glass Works “cone” (one of very few such structures surviving) where one can learn about glassmaking and the history of the English crystal manufacturing trade.
The pair of decanters come from Stuart's "Hampshire" line (produced from 1955 to 1981). They are mouth-blown and hand-cut—a degree of handwork which ensures that each piece is slightly different from its mates. Despite these subtle differences, the Hampshire line is handsomely understated. The ringed bottle necks make the decanters pleasant and secure to handle.
These crystal decanters are leaded. The current thinking informs that leaded crystal is safe for serving alcohol (to adults, never children), however, it is best not to store beverages in the vessels for extended periods. Click on the photo above to learn more about these handsome decanters.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.