Our Story

Cumbria Crystal was founded in 1976 by Lord and Lady Cavendish and a small group of local business people to produce exceptional, handmade full lead crystal tableware.

The artisan workforce was initially recruited from Stourbridge, historically the heart of the English crystal industry, and a team of craftspeople re-located to Ulverston at the southern edge of the English Lake District.

The Company has remained small and true to its artisan roots. We believe it is important customers can watch crystal being made using historic techniques, so visitors are invited to watch our artisans at work.

Today, the Company produces crystal for all the British Embassies and Residencies across the world to grace formal dinners and state occasions.

Cumbria Crystal supplied the majority of the crystal for the internationally acclaimed TV drama Downton Abbey, the Georgian inspired Grasmere pattern, designed by Lady Cavendish, suits the formal Edwardian tables to perfection.

Cumbria Crystal collections sell in renowned London retailers Linley, Harrods, Thomas Goode, Fortnum and Mason.

The company designs and manufactures bespoke collections for a small selection of luxury retailers such as Thomas Goode, David Linley, Hamilton & Inches, Glyndebourne, John Walker and Sons and others.

Cumbria Crystal Collections are frequently favoured by royalty and a number of commemorative gifts celebrating significant Royal occasions such the Diamond  & Platinum Jubilees, the Royal Wedding and Royal Christenings have also been produced.