Cumbria Crystal

Cumbria Crystal was founded in 1976 by Lord and Lady Cavendish and a consortium of local businesspeople. The factory was built in Ulverston, Cumbria, and workers were imported from Stourbridge in the West Midlands.

The business initially focussed on producing plain, uncut lead crystal, echoing the style of 17th and 18th-century glassware. Shortly after, they began to hand-cut their products, which would give it the brilliance it is now known for.

Lady Cavendish designed the ‘Grasmere’ pattern, which became their first suite put into production. It continues to be their most popular and has been featured in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, and the TV series Downton Abbey.

The company remains one of the last producers of hand-blown and hand-cut full lead crystal in the United Kingdom, and their luxury goods are the choice of prestigious clients such as Royal families, British embassies, and companies such as Bentley and Glyndebourne.