The new crystal collection by British glassware designer Richard Brendon combines an elegant design from the Georgian period with the more pared-back aesthetic sensibilities of the contemporary “third Carolingian” era. The collection is named Prism after a classic cut from the 18^th century. Typically, the cut would run from the base of glassware before flowing into more elaborate detailing towards the rim. Richard Brendon’s Prism focusses solely on this cut, applied to the bottom two thirds of simple conical forms, creating striking, contemporary and tactile pieces that refract light beautifully.

Richard Brendon pieces will be familiar (even if you don’t know the name) if you’ve had a drink in The Connaught, Corinthia London or Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London, or at Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. As well as cocktail glasses (many of which are featured in Alice Lascelles’ book, The Cocktail Edit, reviewed here), there is a collection with specific shapes for different grape varieties, designed in conjunction with wine writer Jancis Robinson

Brendon also works in ceramics and is based in Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of the Potteries. The crystal glasses are mouth-blown and hand-cut in Slovenia, which has long been one of the world-renowned centres of the craft. A team of four glassblowers makes 300 glasses per day, maintaining a standard of finesse and minimal weight. The base of each piece is meticulously hand-polished to be completely flat, which creates a unique zig-zagged edge that runs around the bottom of the pieces and allows the tumblers to spin effortlessly on a flat surface.

The Prism collection comprises a double old fashioned tumbler (£98 each), a highball glass (£98 each) and a decanter (£340). It also introduces Richard Brendon’s first goblet, refined from the old-fashioned chunky Georgian wine glasses (£140 each) your grandparents may have served their Good Ordinary Claret in. This version has sharp lines and an approachable feel in the hand, making it adaptable to wine, water and even cocktails. The decanter, too, would be suitable for spirits or as a water carafe, as well as wine.

While Richard Brendon glassware is available at Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Selfridges, Matches and The Conran Shop, the Prism collection is, for now, exclusively available at the company’s own website – from 14 October.

richardbrendon.com