Our Heritage
Our Factory Team, 1958 and today.
It all started when…
Board of Directors 1934
In 1934
The new Irish state, with assistance from a group of local businessmen, raises £40,000 to create a cutlery factory in Newbridge hoping to replace economic activity lost since the moving out of the British army in 1921. The local labour force is trained by experts from Sheffield, one of whom, Mr JW Haigh, is appointed the first managing director.
The Plating shop
The 1940s
The 1940s are particularly tough for the company. In order to continue manufacturing during World War II when steel is virtually impossible to acquire, Newbridge Cutlery recycles old tram lines from Dublin. Despite the tough climate along with a major fire in the plant, profits grow and the workforce grows to 600 by August 1948. The firm acquires a cutlery factory in Enniscorthy and invests in factories in other parts of Ireland and in the UK.
The 1950s
In a decade of economic depression, the factory forges ahead with new product lines, branching into hollow-ware including tea sets, coffee sets, condiment sets, pots and kettles which in 1953 are promoted in a window display in St Stephen’s Green. The company becomes the preferred supplier of silverware to the best hotels and stately homes in Ireland.
The scene is set for a challenging period for Newbridge Cutlery as protective tariffs begin to be dismantled in preparation for Ireland’s joining of the European Economic Community. Newbridge Cutlery is floated on the stock exchange.
The 1970s & 1980s
Ireland joins the EEC, ending tariffs that had protected Newbridge from foreign competitors. The vulnerable company is purchased by Harcourt Irish Holdings and it looks likely that it will be sold off. The incumbent MD, Donal O’Rourke, assembles a group of local businessmen to buy them out. One of those men is Dominic Doyle, father of William and Oonagh Doyle.
The factory moves from its original location on the site of the military barracks to its current home. William Doyle, who has spent his summers in the factory since his father Dominic became involved in 1977 joins the business and works alongside his father to refocus the brand on unique and high-quality tableware. He takes the helm in the late 1980s.
Dominic B Doyle, 1971.
Newbridge Silverware Craftsmen
The 1990s to today…
In the face of falling demand for formal tableware, William Doyle and his team realise they have in-house capabilities for jewellery manufacturing. The first Newbridge jewellery collection reflects the simple, elegant design ethic of the time and is a huge success. Newbridge Silverware is born.
Acclaimed photo shoots with well-known international models including, most recently Naomi Campbell, along with Sophie Dahl and Yasmin Le Bon transform Newbridge Silverware into a household name. The chance acquisition of an iconic dress belonging to Audrey Hepburn sparks an idea that leads to the creation of Newbridge’s next innovation; the Museum of Style Icons.
Today a whole new generation and market recognises Newbridge Silverware as a major name in design for many aspects of their lifestyles – jewellery, accessories, gifts, kitchenware and interiors. The craft facility is the last fully integrated cutlery manufacturing plant of its kind left in Europe with a team of fully skilled craftspeople continuing to create whole ranges of cutlery and jewellery. After 84 years, the Newbridge Silverware Factory finally opens for public tours in June 2018, cementing the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre as one of the key tourist attractions in Ireland.
In 2024, Newbridge Silverware is celebrating 90 years in business. We look forward to serving you and your families for many years to come.