Hand Blown Glass

Derwent Crystal Limited are makers of Lead Crystal glassware by traditional hand craft skills, using techniques and skills that have changed little over the last hundred years. Making Hand blown glass is a skill that is takes years to develop, and it is an art that adds the personal touch to all Derwent Crystals pieces.

The firm, established in 1980, initially obtained its core of skilled craftsmen from Tutbury, a village with a long history in glass making. Building on their expertise - over forty years experience in some cases - young workers and youth training scheme employees have been taught these skills; the very same skills that are in danger of dying out due to the advancement in modern technology.

After a few years, demand exceeded the capacity of production at the Derby plant and the Shawcroft Plant in Ashbourne was opened in 1985. As the glassware is made by hand it has an enormous spectacular appeal and consequently the Ashbourne plant is designed for the customer and tourist to walk round at their leisure and watch the glass being made.

Derwent Crystal has achieved a name for good quality hand blown glass , made with a high lead content crystal.

Derwent Crystal is now well scattered throughout the world, taken mainly by visitors who have visited our factories. Special commissions have also been presented to various members of the Royal Family and Heads of State.