Royal Brierley

Royal Brierley is a crystal glass manufacturer, based in Brierley Hill, Dudley, West Midlands. It is one of the oldest crystal glass manufacturers in England.

History

The history of the company goes back to 1776, when it was set up as an independent family business.[1] Most involved in the history of the company were three families: de Henzel, Honeyborne and latterly, Silver.

Joseph Silver leased the Moor Lane Glasshouse at Briar Lea Hill. His daughters married William Stevens and Samuel Cox-Williams, who took control of the business in 1847. The company became subsequently known as the Stevens and Williams Glassworks.

Many of the creations became quality museum pieces. The trading name Stevens and Williams was used until the 1930s when the company became Royal Brierley Crystal to signify its royal warrant of appointment as glassmakers. The first royal warrant was awarded by King George V and the most recent by HRH Charles, Prince of Wales.

The company is now owned by Dartington Crystal Ltd.

References

  1. ↑ "Only members of this family know the secret of the mysterious black powder that goes into every batch of crystal to give Royal Brierley its outstanding clarity."--Royal Brierley.

Further reading

  • Williams-Thomas, R. S. (1983) The Crystal Years: a tribute to the skills and artistry of Stevens & Williams, Royal Brierley Crytstal. Brierley Hill: Stevens & Williams ISBN 0-9506439-3-9


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