Exquisite glassware for prestigious clients.
During the first half of the 20th century a large part of Stuart Crystal’s business was devoted to the manufacture of glassware for institutions such as hotels, railways, embassies and shipping lines. Sales and marketing of these “contract lines” were handled by Stuart’s associated retailing outlet, Stonier’s, which had offices in Southampton and Liverpool.
One of Stonier’s main customers was the White Star Line, owners of the Titanic, and when glassware was needed for the White Star fleet it was Stuart Crystal who produced the goods. Each item of glass, whether it was a specially commissioned piece or from the current range, was decorated with the White Star Line badge, which consisted of a flag with a star in the centre.
Examples of glass made by Stuart’s for the White Star Line are on display. Similar or identical pieces to these would have graced the dining rooms and lounges of the Titanic and would have gone to the bottom of the ocean when she sank in 1912.
