The Mount Washington Glassworks was established in South Boston, Massachusetts in 1837. In 1870, W.L. Libbey moved the company to New Bedford, Massachusetts. When the company reorganized four years later, Frederick Shirley was named superintendent. Under his supervision, several new types of glass were developed and patented, including Lava Glass and Satin Glass. Mount Washington became known for its brilliant cut glass and was awarded a Certificate of Merit at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition held in 1876.
In 1880, Pairpoint Manufacturing was built on land adjacent to the Mount Washington Glassworks. The business was named after its first superintendent, Thomas J. Pairpoint, considered to be one of the finest silver designers in the world. The two companies merged in 1894 and over time Pairpoint became a leader in the U.S. glass industry. Pairpoint moved to Sagamore on Cape Cod in 1970. In that same year, Pairpoint was joined by master glassblower Robert Mason. Born in Scotland, Robbie apprenticed at the Edinburgh Crystal Factory at age fifteen. He still works at Pairpoint and you will see his signature engraved on the bottom of many Pairpoint pieces.
Pairpoint today encompasses a small production facility as well as a "working museum" and retail shop. You can find out more about Pairpoint at www.pairpoint.com, by calling them at 800/899-0953 or by visiting them at 851 Sandwich Road, Sagamore, Massachusetts. |
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