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Waterford Crystal

Waterford Crystalfounded in 1783

The company of Waterford was first established in 1783 on land adjacent to Merchants' Quay in the heart of the Irish harbor town of Waterford. Its founders were two brothers, William and George Penrose, who were important developers and principal exporters in the city. Their vision was to "create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home." More than two hundred years later, the reputation they established for creating glass of unsurpassed beauty and quality has transcended the intervening centuries.

Today, Waterford's principal manufacturing plant stands on a 40-acre site on the outskirts of the city made famous by its glittering product. There are also two other manufacturing plants in County Waterford.

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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
1950-1963
Waterford Crystal
MO 63.1184
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA.
early 19th century
Waterford Crystal
MO 75.913a-b
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administ…
Waterford Crystal
MO 63.1185.1a-b
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
1963
Waterford Crystal
MO 63.1186a-b
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administ…
Waterford Crystal
MO 63.1185.2a-b
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administ…
before 1962
Waterford Crystal
MO 63.1181
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administ…
Waterford Crystal
MO 63.1182
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
before 1963
Waterford Crystal
MO 63.1576
Ashtray
1783-1961
Waterford Crystal
MO 63.2467
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