DEVELOPING THE VISION FOR WATERFORD AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR GLASS DESIGN AND MAKING
using traditional production techniques. For the most part these microenterprises were established by former employees of the Waterford Wedgwood factory after the company’s closure.
A recent WWRD initiative for continuity in glass-making skills in the region, via 10 City and Guilds accredited apprenticeships offered in glass blowing, sculpting, cutting and engraving at the House of Waterford Crystal. These apprenticeships represent the first of their kind to be offered in the city in the last 25 years and will help to maintain the traditional skill set for glass in the region.
The work of the DCCoI in promoting the development of glass in the region can be seen in its current support for Waterford’s Viking Triangle Trust, Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Institute of Technology who have recently come together to present ‘Waterford: The Glass City’ a range of glass exhibitions, design workshops, lectures by leading glass designers, hands-on glass making opportunities and a Symposium: Future Legacy - Contemporary contexts for Glass in Tourism, Design and Technologies, curated and championed by glass artist Róisín de Buitléar and running throughout the summer of 2015 in various locations within the city. While there are a number of small-scale glass production facilities in the city and beyond (which primarily focus on functional and decorative tableware and giftware) the region shows a lack of design-led glass making or innovations in new glass technologies. A coordinated approach to glass development is required for Waterford to position itself as a centre of excellence in glass.
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