Wakefield Museums and Castles

William Bagley founded the glassmakers Bagley and Co. Ltd in Knottingley in 1871. He had worked in the glass industry since he was eight.

Bagley understood the importance of new technology. He helped the company stay ahead of the competition by using the latest machinery.

Bagley's were also innovative in their design. Although they started as a bottle factory, Bagley's also made decorative pieces. They were best known for their pressed glass range developed in the 1930s.

These household ornaments came in a range of striking colours and Art Deco style designs. The range was known as Crystal ware. Although it wasn't actually true crystal, it offered ordinary people affordable luxury. The designs became very popular. They remain collectable today.

This bowl is decorated with a figure of Andromeda from Greek mythology. The Andromeda range was particularly popular. She featured on many Bagley's products.

In this example the bowl is on a black glass base. Bagley's black glass was known as Jetique.