Bohemian and Waterford Crystal History
Since its inception centuries ago, crystal giftware has been the epitome of gift-giving and appreciation to a friend or loved one. Combining a beautiful glassware set along with a bottle of wine or champagne is a practical and easy gifting solution that has stood the test of time. The brilliance of simplicity has allowed crystal gifts to stand the test of time and remain as popular as ever. Bohemian Crystal and Waterford Crystal have become synonymous with crystal giftware and have established themselves as the two leaders in this revered tradition.
Bohemian Crystal production began as a result of the abundance of natural resources found in the countryside of Czechoslovakia (formerly known as Bohemia). Bohemian glass cutters discovered that potash combined with chalk created a clear, colorless glass that was more stable than glass from Italy. It was at this time that the term Bohemian crystal arose for the first time in history to distinguish its qualities from glass from other places. This unique Czech glass can be cut with a wheel.
Bohemia became a breeding ground for skilled craftsmen who worked ingeniously with glass. Bohemian glass became famous for its excellent carving and engraving. They became skilled masters of glassmaking in neighboring and far countries. In the mid-19th century, a system of technical glassmaking schools was created, promoting traditional and innovative techniques, as well as technical preparation.
In the second half of the 19th century, Bohemia sought the export trade and mass-produced colored glass for shipment around the world. The pairs of vases were produced in a single color of opaque glass or in two-color coated glass. These were decorated with densely enamelled floral motifs that were painted over with great rapidity. Others were decorated with colored lithographs copying famous paintings. These glass objects were made in large numbers in large factories and were available by mail order throughout Europe and the Americas. They were not considered fine art, but they provided inexpensive decorative objects to brighten ordinary homes. Inverted glass painting was also a specialty of the Czechs. The image is carefully hand-painted onto the back of a glass panel, using a variety of techniques and materials, after which the painting is mounted in a bevelled wooden frame. Glass craft remained at a high level even under the communists because it was not considered an ideological threat to communism.
This continuing standard of excellence has allowed the products to maintain their reputation as premium gift ideas for centuries. With the unique characteristics of Bohemian glassware coupled with generations of glass-cutting experience, each piece has a reputation for creating a lasting impression. The true value of a gift is how highly regarded the recipient holds the gift of it after a while. There is no better example of that than when not in use, Bohemian Crystal almost always becomes the centerpiece of any display cabinet and creates a lasting impression.
Czechoslovakia produced many experts in fine glass cutting. Few would be as influential in this trade as Charles Bacik. Charles would grow up in the midst of this tradition and learn the secrets of fantastic glass and crystal cutting to open numerous specialized factories in this field. However, when the communists seized his factories after World War II, he emigrated to Ireland. In 1947, in partnership with Dublin gift shop owner Bernard Fitzpatrick, he founded Waterford Glass. In 1950, the company was in financial difficulty and turned ownership over to the Irish Glass Bottle Company. He continued to work for the company as a manager until 1974 and as a member of the board until 1984. Under his leadership and direction, Waterford crystal would become one of the undisputed leaders in the manufacture of crystal gifts.
Waterford Crystal designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of crystal stemware, barware and giftware for distribution throughout the world. In recent years, Waterford has built on its reputation as a leading source for premium tableware and giftware by expanding into several new businesses. With the launch of Marquis by Waterford, there have been significant expansions into tableware and giftware. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to creating prestigious products whose classic designs transcend time.
Waterford Crystal today has very strong links to its illustrious predecessor. There is the same dedication to color purity, the same design inspiration and the same pursuit of the highest possible levels of quality. The traditional cutting patterns made famous by Waterford artisans became the design basis for the new company’s growing range of products.
Waterford Crystal today is one of the leaders in premium crystal creating magnificent handcrafted crystal stemware, giftware and lighting designed and manufactured to the highest standards. People lucky enough to have experienced Waterford Crystal simply consider it the best to buy for yourself and to give as a gift.
The question of deciding between Bohemian or Waterford crystal is irrelevant. Both companies have built a reputation based on products that are the result of centuries of craftsmanship and adaptation to new technologies and methods to ensure that the customer receives the best glassware available, and the consumer simply cannot go wrong choosing either.