Meet the Glass Man’s Daughter

Following redundancy, my Dad began dealing in general antiques and collectibles and it quickly became clear that he was particularly passionate about glass and crystal, which eventually became his sphere of expertise.

Over the course of more than forty years in the trade, Dad became a well-known figure, affectionately referred to by his customers as “The Glass Man”, and together with Mum, they regularly attended antiques fairs along the South Coast. Specialising in offering quality glass and crystal pieces at competitive prices, they earned a loyal customer base.

I often helped Dad at these fairs, wrapping up items for customers after he made a sale - he truly was a remarkable salesman. Looking back, I wish I had paid more attention to the wealth of knowledge he shared with his customers, as many of them are now my customers. While some of his expertise has rubbed off on me, each day presents a new learning experience.

When Dad passed away in 2018, there were still boxes of stock waiting to be sold. The idea of sending them to auction felt far too impersonal. After discussing with Mum and my husband, I decided to take a stand at one of Dad’s favourite fairs, Westpoint in Exeter, to try to find new homes for his collection. My husband, though a newcomer to the world of glass, was supportive and eager to help. Together, we made a great team.

I was touched by how many of Dad’s regular customers returned to our stand and continued to purchase from us, which reignited my passion for attending fairs. As we gradually sold the remaining stock, it began to feel only natural to continue Dad’s legacy in his honour.

Choosing a name for the business required no thought - it had to be The Glass Man’s Daughter. Stepping into Dad’s shoes, I wanted an identity that was memorable and relatable for both visitors and customers, helping us stand out from the crowd.

Bright pink became my signature colour, featuring on everything from my business cards - complete with Dad’s photo on the back - to the polo shirt I wear at fairs, the tablecloths on our stand, and the carrier bags given to every customer. You will notice that I have carried the theme forward to our website!

I strive to uphold Dads valued principles, aiming to meet his high standards. We offer a wide variety of items, bringing together a collection of antique, vintage, collectible and contemporary glassmakers. Fair and competitive pricing is our overriding principle. We showcase a range of esteemed makers such as Webb, Webb-Corbett, Davison, Brierley, Stuart, together with other respected English glass houses no longer in operation, alongside outstanding international brands.

Our goal is to deliver excellent service and have delighted customers who return time and again. Whether you are searching for something practical, decorative, or simply unique, we look forward to helping you find that special piece.

An elderly man with gray hair wearing glasses, a gray suit, and a white shirt, smiling and appearing to be in a social setting.

Edward Day, The Glass Man

Alison Williams

The Glass Man’ s Daughter

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