1826

Foundation in St Helens

The St Helens Crown Glass Works. Artist’s impression of Greenall & Pilkington in the 1830s.

The Company was founded in 1826 as “St Helens Crown Glass Company”. It was established with the technical knowledge and ability of John William Bell plus capital from three of the most influential local families: the Bromilows, the Greenalls and the Pilkingtons. William Pilkington was one of the original shareholders, and his elder brother Richard later joined him.