Object of the Week - Metal Ladle for Molten Glass from Waterford Crystal Factory, Dungarvan, 1970s

The Waterford Crystal factory opened in Dungarvan in July 1972.  The official opening was performed by Jack Lynch.  It was reported in newspapers at the time that the factory cost one million to construct and would employ two hundred and forty workers, thirty of whom were from An Rinn.

In 2002 the thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the factory was celebrated with a publication and a special service at the factory.  A number of pieces of glass and other archival material were donated to Waterford County Museum.

The factory finally closed in 2005.

10th August 2017 Visitors from Bilbao and San Sebastián in the Basque Country Region of Spain

On 10th August 2017 we had a visit from a group of students from Bilbao and San Sebastián in the Basque Country region of Spain.  They were given a tour of the Museum by our multi lingual staff member Kieran Lineen and they thoroughly enjoyed their visit.

Staff Member Kieran Lineen with Students from the Basque Region of Spain

International Visitors Summer 2017

We are delighted to welcome groups of international students in connection with Maud Cunningham of The Language People in Dungarvan who regularly visit the Museum.  We have had groups of students from Spain and various other countries, and many other visitors to the Museum this year from all over the world including places as far away as Africa and Arizona!

Our multi lingual staff member Kieran Lineen has led many tours of the Museum for our international visitors this year, as have other members of staff, and the Museum is proving to be a very popular attraction.

Ina Bluett R.I.P.

We were saddened to hear of the recent death of Ina Bluett who was a long time member of the Museum and will be sadly missed.  Our condolences to her family.

Object of the Week - Dictograph from Power's Brewery, Dungarvan, c.1950

Dictograph from Power's Brewery, Dungarvan, c.1950.

Wooden body with bakelite (early type of plastic) hand set.  Stamped 'Dictograph' Made in England with the company logo.

The Dictograph was first manufactured by the General Acoustics Company in the U.S. and the brand name was registered in 1907.  They were later manufactured in England by Dictograph Telephones Ltd.

Friday 28th July 2017 - Reception for William Fraher

On Friday 28th July 2017 we had a reception in the Museum organised by the Museum Committee and Museum staff for William Fraher who has left his post as CE Supervisor after many years of dedicated service.  Our thanks to Willie for all his hard work and dedication over the years.

William Fraher (sixth from left) Surrounded by Museum Members, Staff, and Friends 

Object of the Week - Ink Wells

Ink was first used in ancient Egypt and China.  In the 19th century ink wells were manufactured using an amazing variety of shapes - umbrella, boat, tent, barrel, cottage, pyramid etc.  They were made of glass or stoneware pottery.  The containers were sealed with a cork or sealing wax.

These are some examples from the Museum collection, which are not stamped but probably made in England.

The invention of the ball point pen in the 1930s signalled the decline of ink wells.