The making of Royal Brierley Crystal

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Broadly speaking, crystal glass is produced from a mixture of silver sand, red lead, potash and cullett, which is heated to 1350 degrees centigrade for 24 hours and allowed to cool to 1125 degrees centigrade, at which temperature it is ready to work.

The actual process of glassmaking is carried out by a team of individuals known as the 'chair' and comprises: a 'blower', 'headman' or 'servitor' and a 'bit-gatherer'. Collectively, they blow, mould and shape each piece before transferring it to a 'lehr' - or control oven.

After re-heating and cooling to relieve the inherent stress built up during making, the edge of each piece is smoothed, bevelled and polished. Decoration 'glass cutting' can then begin.