Factory mark on paper labels since 1928 Leerdamin the
Netherlands has been a site of glass making since the 18th
Century. In 1878 an existing bottle plant was extended with a
glass works for table glasses, both blown and pressed. During
the first years of production, the designs were anonymous, and
followed the tradition of drinking glasses elsewhere. Decanters,
stemware, counter jars and similar articles were decorated with
etched, engraved and cut designs and the resulting production
was so traditional that it could have been produced almost
anywhere. The same is true for pressed glass patterns, which are
completely in line with the taste of the period. These products
were not just for local distribution, but were also exported to
England, South America and Mexico. During the great age of glass
innovation at the turn of the century, Leerdam kept out of the
art glass market. At the time there was an important idealistic
movement to improve the quality of everyday design, led by
architects and furniture maker