Dartington Cheers! Carafe

Dartington Glass, as we know until 1980s, was born in 1967as one of the Dartington Hall Trust's social enterprises in North Devon. It quickly became the most recognised manufacturer of simple et functional glassware in the UK. Dartington's vision was built on a clean and simple design style, handmade using age-old techniques of Scandinavian roots. For over 50 years, many notable design figures have come together to use their passion and skill to grow the brand into what is now the only remaining factory scale producer in the country.

Making Dartington Crystal

In our Torrington factory, around 13,800 pieces are made per month. While these beautiful glass products start with an inspired design, their creation from molten material requires the skill and artistry of gifted glass makers. Many of our workforce have amassed considerate experience having trained and worked as glassmakers in some areas for 40 years.

White hot molten 24% lead crystal is gathered on a blowing pipe (known as an iron) before it is mouth-blown, and hand crafted into shape. Only basic tools are used to product the correct form and dimensions, plus a large element of physical effort, skill , precision and judgement. Once cooled at a controlled rate, the item is then finished and carefully inspected with only the finest quality allowed to carry the official Dartington stamp of quality.