Glass Message Board

Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => British & Irish Glass => Topic started by: flying free on February 17, 2023, 12:54:17 AM

Title: Holyrood Glass-works John Ford - engraving of glass-works, info on mould making
Post by: flying free on February 17, 2023, 12:54:17 AM

a) In the Official Illustrated Guide to the Lancaster and Carlisle, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and Caledonian Railways (c.1859?)

Page 200 - engraving of 'HOLYROOD GLASS-WORKS, THE PROPERTY OF MR JOHN FORD'

https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Official_Illustrated_Guide_to_the_La/mxZbAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=john+ford+glass+edinburgh&pg=PA198&printsec=frontcover




b)  This links to a description in a guide from 1861 I think - and gives a good description of the interior of the John Ford glass-works. (see page 219 onwards).
A few points of interest:
1) They made cut glass, pressed glass and stamped glass
2) They had a reputation for engraved glass and chandelier lustres
3) They had a 'curious revolving machine' for cutting patterns inside globes
4) A special mention of their  'opaque or opal' glass 'relieved with burnished gold'
5) The glasshouse contained 8 pots and a 'magnificent' annealing arch

https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Official_Illustrated_Guide_to_the_No/s6VYAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=john+ford+glass+edinburgh&pg=PA219&printsec=frontcover





c) Another description in the Art Journal (think 1875 edition? ) (see page 365) where of interest it says that complicated moulds were made for the stands of their compotiers and the moulds were made in house.  It mentions 'very choice specimens of mould cutting can be seen there'.
I think this dates to 1875 however within the article on Holyrood glass-works it mentions the abolition of duties, I presume tax on glass, so it's possible the article could have been around from an earlier time.  I've seen articles reprinted over the years lifted from much earlier editions or other publications.

https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_art_journal_London/kvNlAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=john+ford+glass+edinburgh&pg=PA365&printsec=frontcover

Title: Re: Holyrood Glass-works John Ford - engraving of glass-works, info on mould making
Post by: flying free on March 21, 2024, 12:02:36 AM

https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_history_of_civilisation_in_Scotland/nHZ_OQYX2pIC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=holyrood+glass&pg=PA389&printsec=frontcover

Further information on the glassworks on this link dating to a later date. See page 389.