A group of glassmakers carrying on a centuries old tradition in Co Tyrone will make the move to bigger and better premises this June.
Former employees at the defunct Tyrone Crystal factory in Edendork have set up Tyrone Crafted Glass, which is helping to keep the tradition of glassmaking alive in the local area.
The group will see its workshop expanded to include a retail shop and a museum in its new Dungannon Enterprise Centre from March, moving from its current premises in Coalisland.
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One of Tyrone Crafted Glass’s founders, Gary Currie, says it is a natural step with increased visitors coming to learn about the tradition.
“We have been in Coalisland Enterprise Centre for the last couple of years but the people in Dungannon Enterprise Centre have been very supportive of us as well.
“We went to them to say that we need to move into better premises because we have come as far as we can in Coalisland.
“It was only a starting point for us so we are delighted that we have got this new unit in Dungannon Enterprise Centre.
“It’s in a better location, it’s bigger and has better facilities, so we will be geared better in there for the workshops that we do.”
A full museum room will provide an insight into the centuries of work that has gone into glassmaking in Co Tyrone, with glassmaking experiences with experts in the field to be offered to young and old.
“We will be able to put a proper museum of glass into it that people can come in and look at all the different things that are used for making glass,” Gary adds.
“If things go our way over the next few months we will have a full glass making unit from scratch.
“It’s a big step up for us - the shop area will now be able to open five days a week and people will be able to come in at any time they want.
“Purchasing of the products is only one part of it though, we are working now to provide glass making experiences so the likes of school children can come in and be shown around the place and help to make some of the products.”
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