Professor Brian F Havel and his mother Betty Havel (son and wife of former Waterford Crystal chief designer, the late Miroslav Havel) pictured with John Rocha. | Photo: Noel Browne
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Miroslav Havel’s contribution to the Waterford Crystal story will never be forgotten. In 1947, sitting in a shed in a field in Ballytruckle, the 25-year-old Havel discussed the development of a new company with fellow Czech Charles Bacik.
And from those discussions, Waterford Glass, later re-branded as Waterford Crystal, was born.
Today, with the House of Waterford Crystal now open for business on The Mall, the contributions made by both Havel and Bacik are recognised in the new, stunningly rendered tourist centre.
Speaking to The Munster Express, Miroslav’s son, Professor Brian Havel, spoke of his “pride and excitement” at witnessing the re-birth of a company that his late father had invested his working life in.
“I didn’t expect this,” said Prof Havel, referencing the company’s resurrection some 18 months after the factory gates were locked at the Kilbarry plant.
“I’m absolutely delighted and very proud and it’s a tribute to the city fathers that they galvanised themselves to re-invent the industry, without the support of the Government which I found astonishing. This was very much a locally generated revival.”
A sense of civic pride and strong local affection for the brand were among the driving forces behind the Waterford Crystal revival, points which Prof Havel elaborated on.
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