The story of Stevens & Williams based, on the diaries of Samuel Cox Williams, the dynasty builder
The Dynasty Builder
“The Dynasty Builder” is based on the diaries of one of the principal protagonists in the Victorian handmade glass industry, Samuel Cox Williams, the dynasty builder. Samuel lived near Stourbridge for forty years, founding Stevens and Williams in 1846 and arguably building it, with his son Joseph Silvers Williams-Thomas, into the most important Art Glass manufacturer in the world.
The book is principally about Samuel, his business and family life and is based on the diaries he kept from1869-1883. The diaries have been “hidden” in the company and family archives until now and are transcribed in full as part of the book. It also covers the history of the firm from the end of this period up to 1998, when the family’s involvement in the business finished.
David Williams-Thomas, Samuel’s great-great-grandson, and the sixth generation to be involved, ran the business (which later became Royal Brierley Crystal) throughout his own working life. Using public and private company and family archives, as well as personal memories, the book traces the history of the firm and the family from 1846 to 1999, with particular reference to the period of Samuel’s diaries.
This very informative book is available from Amazon (£20) or direct from the author, David Williams-Thomas (£15 plus £3.50 packing & postage), via d.williams_thomas@btinternet.com