After Chance...
Although the Chance Brothers' Smethwick factory
closed in 1981, after 150 years of continuous
glass production, the entire Fiestaware
design was bought
up by Mr. Michael Joseph who continued
operating using the original pioneering
techniques, continuing under the banner
of Fiesta Glass Ltd. The firm is now
called Midlands Industrial Glass and
still operates in Birmingham and Smethwick
today.
The interest in Chance Glass and subsequent creations
from Fiesta Glass has also led to Michael
purchasing a complete collection for use
as a permanent museum display.
More on this later.
Joseph Joseph Ltd
The design phase of the business is the responsibility
of his twin sons Antony and Richard, who
created the company Joseph
Joseph Ltd to produce kitchen and dining glassware,
which is still identifiable with the iconic
1950s Fiestaware designs. Additionally
the company also had great success selling
glassware to Japan — a real 'Coals
to Newcastle' story!
It is also gratifying to learn
that Joseph Joseph have even
retained the 'Swirl' name with slightly
different designs
being produced.
A true classic that can stand
the test of time! |