Stourbridge has a rich industrial history, including generations of craftsmen, skilled in glassmaking who had, by 1827, established the "crystal mile" with Red House Glass Cone Factory at the centre of this industry. Crystal glassware crafted here was supplied to the Titanic for her maiden voyage.
In 1936 Winston Churchill was again warning parliament of the growing threat from Germany and emphasizing the need for the design and manufacture of all supplies needed by the Air Force, the Army and the Navy.
In 1936 production ended at the Red House Glass Cone, although all the work was moved to the White House Glass Works. It was there, that the skilled craftsmen from Red House Glass Cone continued to use their expertise, but this time for war work. They made landing lights for aircraft, cathode ray tubes, electronic vacuum tubes used for radar and other specialized types of glass for electronic and chemical equipment needed during WWII.
Source
www.gracesguide.co.uk/stuartandsons
www.dudley.gov.uk/see-and-do/museums/red-house-glass-cone
www.churchill-society-london.org.uk (speech 12th November 1936)
