Vincent Rellis Master Rheintour Cutter

Vincent Rellis was born in Waterford in 1959.  He is originally from Sexton Street in Waterford city and was educated at Mount Sion Catholic Boys School.  Vincent comes from a large family of nine children.  His father Jimmy was employed by Waterford Crystal in the Ballytruckle factory, the year after the revival of crystal manufacturing in Waterford in 1947.  His father was the eleventh member of staff to be recruited by Waterford and helped to build the first production furnace.  His father went on to become a senior furnace man and he worked closely with the many foreign craftsmen, who were recruited by Waterford to train local youth as apprentice Master Blowers and Cutters.

Vincent at the age of 15, sixth in his family, witnessed many of his siblings gaining different positions within Waterford Crystal, so the idea of applying for a position as an apprentice cutter always appealed to him.  He was successful in his application and commenced his apprenticeship in the craft of Rheintour (flat-cutting).  Flat cutting is especially difficult on the stems of wine glasses, as the cuts must be symmetrically placed around each stem.  Waterford Crystal has designed suites based entirely on the flat cuts such as Curraghmore, Sheila and the Royal Tara inspired by nineteen century Waterford Designs.

Visitors to the Waterford plant are sure to meet Vincent on the “Waterford Crystal Visitor Experience”, now considered one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions.  Vincent has been selected to represent Waterford Crystal overseas as an ambassador of Waterford, so together with his love of travel, he hopes to enlighten as many consumers as possible to the joys of possessing Waterford Crystal.

Vincent’s hobbies include swimming, cycling and all methods of physical exercise.  He is a member of a local male choir and has enjoyed many lead roles in local productions.  Vincent currently resides in Tramore, Co. Waterford with his three children, Kathy, Susan and Vince.

July 14-18