News

In early October, photographer Kasia Fiszer came to spend the day at Wilkinson to shoot for ‘The Restorers’ section in an upcoming edition of Home & Antiques Magazine. Our glasshouse welcomed Kasia as she popped by to observe the traditional processes we use to manufacture chandeliers in our Kent based factory as well as discussing with David Wilkinson the history behind the family business for an article that would feature in the December issue of Home & Antiques Magazine. In an interview, David reveals how we have been fortunate enough to have worked in some of the most prominent locations in the UK including Warwick Castle, The Lanesborough Hotel, Spencer

In February 2016 we were privileged to be asked if we would mind having an article written about us in the House & Home supplement of the Financial Times Weekend. It was a wonderful article about the history of glass and chandeliers as well as the history of our company written by Jonathan Foyle who David has had the pleasure of knowing for some years. Accompanying photographs show our skilled staff working in our Kent based factory as well as some of the chandeliers that we are able to produce. If you are a subscriber to the Financial Times Online you can read the Weekend Article online by clicking here.

In a previous News article we told you how David Wilkinson had begun the process to become a Liveryman at the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers. On June 11th 2015, David was officially installed as a Liveryman in a wonderful ceremony that took place at Painters Hall, London. He was presented to the Master Gwen Rhys FRSA by The Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, Vincent Emms and was formally gowned for the occasion. Following his and several other Freemen’s installations as Liverymen of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, the group and their guests attended a traditional summer gathering at St James Garlickhythe Church. What followed was

In late 2014, David Wilkinson began the process to become a Liveryman at the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers. The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London was granted a charter by King Charles II in 1664. The original purpose of the Livery was to regulate glass trade within London, to ensure quality and fair trade. Nowadays the Company’s objectives have moved to promoting the properties of glass in schools and helping with glass education projects in the City of London and elsewhere around the country. The company actively promotes the use of glass in arts, crafts, science and technology. At present our Company has around 200 Liverymen, a large

A very busy and in many ways a successful year. One of our largest ever commissions was placed this year; to work on a project for a London based hotel for which we made over 50 chandeliers. This project is still ongoing, but following the business launch in early 2015 we hope to be able to bring you details and images of our work. Lanterns have been a popular addition to many properties this year with orders being placed for our traditional round lanterns, Culford lantern and adapted Windsor lantern and for a Kensington property looking for something far from traditional we created a unique ice cream sundae glass chandelier.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Reginald “Arthur” Wilkinson who died peacefully on Saturday 12th July following a short illness. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, who will remember him for the generous and loving man that he was as well as his many achievements within the glass industry. Arthur and his father began the glass tableware company R.Wilkinson & Son in 1947 at the age of 16 and together they worked on recreating cutting styles all but forgotten since the 1800s. When his father retired from the business in 1965, Arthur steered the business towards the reproduction of English chandeliers

Between them they have almost 100 years experience running the family business that is Wilkinson Plc and this Bank Holiday weekend the generations of Wilkinsons came together. Pictured are David, Arthur, Baby Ethan and Jodie. Arthur joined the business back in 1947 when it was better known as R. Wilkinson & Son, working from a small workshop attached to the house alongside his father Reginald, they would sell their decorated glassware to department stores and tableware wholesalers. Over the years the business continued to develop and expand with Arthur retiring and leaving the business in the capable hands of his son in 1986. David joined the company in the summer