Cumbria Crystal has launched Kaleidoscope, a contemporary new crystal bar and stemware collection designed by an up and coming talent, Xinlu Liu.
Designed by Royal College of Art graduate Xinlu Liu, who recently graduated with a Masters’ Degree in Ceramics & Glass, Kaleidoscope is unusual in that it is based on the concept of complimentary pairs. This can be seen in the identical, but inverted, designs on the crystal.
“Like individuals coming together and forming harmonious bonds, this series celebrates uniqueness and togetherness in people and relationships,” the brand says.
Each year, Cumbria Crystal sponsors a training and design project with post-graduate students from the Royal College of Art, the UK leading exclusively post-graduate art and design college. Participants learn how to cut crystal with one of Britain’s last master cutters, are shown how a traditional glassblowing business operates and are challenged to develop design concepts based on their learning.
“Xinlu Liu’s design was so strong, versatile and on-trend that we just had to put it into production,” says Chris Blade, CEO, Cumbria Crystal.
Xinlu will receive royalties on sales to assist with ongoing studies and establishment of her professional design career.
Founded in 1976 by the famous historic Cavendish family, whose estate is nearby, Cumbria Crystal was created to help preserve traditional British crafts. Lady Grania Cavendish designed the Grasmere Collection used in Downton Abbey. In addition to core stemware collections, Cumbria Crystal partners with a select number of luxury retailers, distillers and businesses – including Bentley Motors, David Linley, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Garrard, Rolls Royce, Diagio, Glyndebourne and Hamilton & Inches.
The company is one of only two official crystal manufacturers for Bentley Motors.
