Cumbria Crystal unveils new Kaleidoscope collection

The Kaleidoscope collection was unveiled on September 24 by the Ulverston-based manufacturer, which is the last remaining producer of luxury, completely hand-made, English 24 per cent lead crystal in the UK.

The company said the collection is based on the concept of complementary pairs, evident in the identical but inverted designs on the crystal.

The firm is the last remaining producer of luxury, completely hand-made, English 24-per cent lead crystal (Image: Cumbria Crystal)

Cumbria Crystal said: "Like individuals coming together and forming harmonious bonds, this series celebrates uniqueness and togetherness in people and relationships."

Cumbria Crystal is known for producing high-quality products while preserving traditional glassmaking skills.

The collection is based on the concept of complementary pairs (Image: Cumbria Crystal)

The company is also committed to sharing its knowledge with younger generations.

Every year, Cumbria Crystal sponsors a training and design project with post-graduate students from the Royal College of Art.

Participants learn how to cut crystal with one of Britain's last master cutters, gain insight into how a traditional glassblowing business operates, and are challenged to develop design concepts based on their learning.

This year, the Kaleidoscope concept was presented by Xinlu Liu, a recent graduate with a Masters' Degree in Ceramics and Glass.

Her design was deemed so strong and versatile that it was put into production.

Ms Liu will receive royalties on sales to assist with her ongoing studies and the establishment of her professional design career.

This year, the Kaleidoscope concept was presented by Xinlu Liu, a recent graduate with a Masters' Degree in Ceramics and Glass (Image: Cumbria Crystal)

Cumbria Crystal said: "The Kaleidoscope collection is unusual in that it is based on the concept of complementary pairs.

"This can be seen in the identical, but inverted, designs on the crystal."

The company is one of the leading producers of luxury, completely hand-made, English 24 per cent lead-crystal globally.

It aspires to produce the highest quality, hand-blown, bar and stemware collections in the world, using only traditional glass-making techniques.

The team of 21 highly skilled artisans are committed to mastering processes which have hardly changed in the last 2000 years.

The crystal glasses have been featured in well-known productions such as Downton Abbey (Image: Cumbria Crystal)

Visitors to the factory in Ulverston are invited to watch the choreographed alchemy of glass blowing, browse the shop, and try blowing crystals themselves.

Cumbria Crystal said: "An informed understanding of the production processes greatly enriches appreciation of the artisan’s skills illustrating why every product should genuinely be classified as a work of art."

Unlike most manufacturers, every aspect of the creative process is done by hand at Cumbria Crystal.

The crystal is completely mouth-blown by a team of five glassblowers, each requiring a minimum of 15 years of training, and then cut on a lathe, which requires five years of training.

The cutting process demands intense concentration and skill, requiring the artisans to hand-carve decoration into every item using abrasive diamond and sandstone wheels.

The collective skills of at least nine artisans are required to create each piece.

Nothing is subcontracted and every piece is genuinely unique.

Cumbria Crystal said: "Consequently, it is not surprising Cumbria Crystal is the crystal of choice for many of the world’s most discerning clients including royalty, and the British embassies and consulates worldwide.

"Featured in numerous period dramas, including every film and series of Downton Abbey, James Bond and Darkest Hour, it epitomises quality, luxury living and a lifestyle many people aspire to."

In addition to core stemware collections, Cumbria Crystal partners with a select number of luxury retailers, distillers and businesses (Image: Cumbria Crystal)

In addition to core stemware collections, Cumbria Crystal partners with a select number of luxury retailers, distillers and businesses – including Bentley Motors, David Linley, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Garrard, Rolls Royce, Diageo, Glyndebourne and Hamilton & Inches.

The company is one of only two official crystal manufacturers for Bentley Motors.