The Industry & Railways of the South West Black Country STOURBRIDGE INDUSTRY   JOHN T. HAMBREY A well-known Designer & Glass Cutter. Old as the manufacture of glass is, and wonderful as the beauties of some of the vases and goblets are, handed down to us many centuries, the last word in the art of decorating has not been spoken. If ancient people had taken away with them into oblivion the art of glass making, modern artists are daily raising the standard of glass decorating, and so it is that we hear on all sides of further progress made by colourers, etchers, and cutters. One of the best-known exponents of designing and cutting in this centre of the glass industry is Mr. John T. Hambrey, whose works are at George Street, Wordsley, and his career is typical of the men possessing an artistic temperament and unbounded determination, who have made their way from a minor position to one of generally recognised influence. Starting life, that is his working life, when but ten years of age, and having held afterwards the position of manager in prominent firm of glass manufacturers, Messrs. E. Webb and Sons, he commenced as a designer and cutter on his own account nine years ago, his staff consisting of a man and a boy, ready to make, if not a fortune, then at least a name for himself. But neither name nor fortune comes without a struggle. The difficulties which usually beset the path of the "young beginner" were intensified in this case. Owing to the peculiar conditions then obtaining among the glass makers and cutters, Mr. Hambrey, in common with other employers saw himself placed before the alternative of having his business conducted by "outsiders" with him as the proprietor, with him as the proprietor looking on, or being unable to get men to work. Characteristically he chose the latter. Then began the real struggle. No cutter being available, men and boys had to be trained into cutters. A tedious and often heart-breaking process this. Months would elapse before useful work might be forthcoming, material would be spoilt, the connections which had slowly been created slide away. But Mr. Hambrey was undismayed. He meant to succeed - and he did. To-day he employs forty hands, some of his men being the best craftsmen that could be found in the district, and he has established a name for high-class work which carries respect among all possessing a knowledge of the glass industry. His success is ascribed by Mr. Hambrey to the designs and style of the work done at his works. He does not touch the cheaper kinds; in fact it would not pay to employ his expert cutter on making cheap goods. Most of the designs have been designed by himself, and the number in the current design book is 15,000. To appreciate the cost of cut glass that comes from his workshops, one must have a look at his packing room, for describe them would be impossible. Most of his work goes to the largest houses in the world, such as Maples, Civil Service Stores, and others. A quantity of beautiful services had just been finished for the White Star Line, and other equally important orders are continually coming in. © Tom Cockeram 1998