History
In 1850 the entrepreneur John Walsh Walsh purchased a factory in Birmingham which was manufacturing glass. After his death in 1868 the business was acquired by his daughter Ellen Eliza and her husband Thomas Ferdinand Walker who appointed Lewis Murray to run the company. Under him the firm began making a series of popular cut glass vases and bowls. The introduction of new ranges increased production requirement and another furnace was built in 1886. New designs were registered but imitations from both English and Continental manufacturers presented a major problem. The years 1911 to 1925 were difficult for the glass industry but John Walsh Walsh's business continued to grow after the trauma of the First World War. In 1922 it was converted to a private limited company and the registration of the trademark 'WALSH'. This was later modified to include 'ENGLAND'. Another trademark 'VESTA' was registered in 1929. The years 1930 to 1940 were a time of increasing growth and success but after the end of the Second World War, when the pre-war skills were not widely available and government regulations frustrated attempts to restore the main product lines, economic forces led to the closure of the glass department in 1949 and the final closure of the factory in 1951.
Birmingham Heath, Birmingam. c. 1855
Manufacturer of every description of
Flint, Opal, Enamel & Colored Glass Lamp & Lustre Work
chemical apparatus, lenses, shades, vases, etc.
Pottery Gazette - January 1, 1913
About 1888 the most remarkable results were obtained from the introduction of the " light " by the late Mr. S. Clark. The public demand for these lights was phenomenal, and nearly every glass manufacturer was occupied in producing supplies of these very effective little lamps. Stuart's "cameo" designs in various tints were probably the most successful, but Webbs' " Burmese" colouring must have had a very large sale also. Later on one of the principal features in ornamental glass in our trade were the series of floral table decorations brought out successively and successfully by Mr. Walsh Walsh, and their rose, cactus, carnation, lily, and other designs will readily occur to malty who read these not. Their rustic glass was (and even still is) a great success also. It is within the last few years that I think English crystal glass has come into its proper position as a table decoration. The elegant and useful ranges of shapes. with carefully cut or engraved decoration, show off our British glass to perfection; and the public evidently appreciate it, judging by the busy condition of our few glass factories at the present time.
The above was printed in the January 1, 1913 edition of the Pottery Gazette. It makes references to "rose, cactus, carnation, and lily" designs. By coincidence, Clarke published an ad in the January 1, 1889 issue of the Pottery Gazette. While the design names are the same, there is no evidence that John Walsh Walsh ever produced any wares other than glass. It would be helpful if anyone could help explain the coincidence in design names.
In addition, the article makes reference to Walsh's "Rustic" designs. While the term "rustic" was used by other companies, it seems that in the context of the article, the rustic reference could be in reference to Clarke's "Rustic Flower Stands"
Walsh Rd 155744
September 2, 1890
Walsh Rd 65543
January 15, 1887
Candle & Flower Holder
Walsh Rd 172125
May 25, 1891
Walsh Rd 65543
January 15, 1887
Candle & Flower Holder
Walsh floral base with integral candle cup.
Rd 172125
Walsh Rd 323288
August 9, 1898
Attributed to John Walsh Walsh
Rd 155744
Attributed to John Walsh Walsh
Rd 172125
Attributed to John Walsh Walsh
Attributed to John Walsh Walsh
