Dudley's glass history

The first glassmakers to arrive in Stourbridge originated from Lorraine in Eastern France. They were attracted to the area by the rich deposits of fireclay for making their melting pots and furnaces and by the availability of coal. The first written evidence of their presence appears in the Kingswinford Parish Register recording the baptism of John, the son of Paul and Bridget Tyzack on 26 April 1612.

 

Cutting began in Stourbridge in the 18th century, but it was not until the introduction of steam powered cutting machinery that cut glass became a significant part of the Stourbridge industry.

 

The Glass Quarter has played host to a number of important craftsman. Born in Wordsley in 1836, John Northwood's chief claim to fame was the discovery of the lost art of cameo glass, originally a Roman technique. William Fritsche arrived in England around 1870 and was the finest copper wheel engraver ever to have worked in this country. Working for Thomas Webb, he executed traditional style engraving and helped to develop a new style called Rock Crystal. George Woodall (1850-1925) was the greatest cameo carver the world has ever known. He joined Thomas Webb and Sons where he set up a cameo glass department, and for the next 30 years played an astonishing series of one-off vases and plaques.