The Watford Observer has teamed up with Watford Museum and its curator Sarah Priestley to take a journey back to the town’s past through items or places of historical significance.

We've reached item 42 in our 'history of Watford in 50 objects' and it is a glass that rekindles fond memories for museum curator Sarah Priestley, who visited the showroom of Watford Crystal as a child.

She said: "The room shimmered with beautifully lit crystal, sold in indulgently cushioned purple boxes and a visit was a real treat and a source of family pride to buy a Watford brand.

"According to the West Watford History Group’s research, the Watford Glass Company started trading in the 1920s and continued selling Watford Crystal until the early 1990s.

"The glass itself was produced in Europe, but glass cutting and polishing took place on the premises and was sold in outlets including Watford department store Cawdells. Crystal vases were even sold to Buckingham Palace!

"This glass is one of six that were recently donated to Watford Museum by Andy and Jill Waghorn which we will treasure."

The glasses were a gift to Jill's father, who worked for Lloyds Bank, from a satsified customer at a time when such actions were not frowned up. The customer was a manager at Watford Glass Company.

Watford Museum has now reopened to the public. Admission is free but book first – call 01923 232297 or email info@watfordmuseum.org.uk. For more information, visit www.watfordmuseum.org.uk