A PAIR OF FLAT-CUT URNS AND COVERS c.1790, probably...

Irish, the domed covers with knobbed finials, the bodies with fluting of large diamonds on circular facet-cut stems and on square stepped bases, each 29cm high Whilst there was glass manufacture in Waterford before the 18th century, the county’s production took on its infamous name with the establishment of the Waterford Glasshouse in 1783. The company was founded by George and William Penrose, two businessmen who wished to take advantage of Ireland’s free trade agreement with Britain. They poured £10,000 pounds into the venture and hired master craftsmen from England to produce a glass known for its absolute clarity. Sadly, the economic benefits could not last and in 1788 an act was passed that forbade the export of glass from Ireland. However, the local Irish market was strong enough to keep the glasshouse afloat until 1851 when high tax rates on flint glass forced Waterford Glass to close, joining the many that had already folded before it. The glasshouse was offered for sale but, viewed as a hopeless investment, there were no takers.