I must admit that when I found out our trip to the Rock of Cashel included a stop at the Waterford Crystal factory, I wasn't terribly excited. Breakable things are not a wise investment at our house, so fancy breakable things are definitely not on our go-to purchase list. Not being a big fan, I wasn't as excited about the stop.
But as we stepped into the building, I realized how very little I knew about the Waterford Crystal company, period. Turns out, they are pretty freaking incredible! By the time we left the tour, I was definitely a fan. (Though... I still don't believe fine crystal is a wise product for our home.)
Waterford is apparently helping bring sexy back.
Custom bases made of varying types of wood.
Artisans at work.
Shaping the glass after it has been blown.
accidents do happen... even at Waterford.
The plans for a kiss!
A kiss!
Did you know each cut in every vase, bowl, or frame is cut by an artist? I had no idea! Apparently they go through an incredibly lengthy apprenticeship process before becoming a master cutter.
Here are some of the artists at work.
Some of these artists have been with Waterford for upwards of 40 years. That's incredible!
I can't do a crossword with a pen, and these gentlemen can cut crystal without a hitch while annoying tourists snap photos. (In my defense, I did ask if it was okay before shooting. )
The tour of Waterford was great and I'm so glad it was a part of the tour, as I definitely wouldn't have sought it out on my own. It gave us not only a good history of the Waterford company, but also a new appreciation for the artistic integrity of their products - something that seems increasingly rare these days.