Is crystal glass a solution to chronic unemployment? See one story from a self-help movement tackling poverty and sectarian discrimination.

To confront chronic unemployment Fr. Eustace revives Tyrone’s lost tradition of glass blowing on its 200th anniversary. As this film begins you’ll see Gert Elstner who trained the local workforce. Before this factory opened these workers learned their trade amongst the coffins behind Mc Aleers Hotel. Locals gathered jam jars and bottles for trainees to practice with. They would go on to produce Ireland’s largest chandelier which hangs in The Merchant Hotel in Belfast.  
 

Digitised as part of Unlocking Film Heritage

Interviewer / Presenter: Leslie Dawes 

Interviewees / Participants: Father Austin Eustace, Gert Elstner

Sound: P. Irwin

Camera: D. Scott

• Britain on Film
• BFI Player