Industrial landmark gets blue plaque
Glassworks plaque highlights window into town’s industrial heritage. Tony Henderson reports.
In the first decade of the 18th century in a Tyneside town, a businessman with a name nobody would forget built what would become one of the country’s leading glassworks.
Onesiphorus Dagnia – the Greek name of a figure from the Bible – opened the flint glassworks in South Shields. He already operated a similar venture in the Ouseburn valley in Newcastle.
Now a South Tyneside Council blue plaque has been installed on a chimney which is all that remains of the glassworks at Mill Dam in South Shields.
The plaque was proposed by Val Parks, of South Shields Local History Group, who has researched the history of the works.
The plaque on the chimney, whose base is dated 1856, was unveiled by the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Coun Stan Wildhirt and his wife Dawn.
The Mayor said: “The Glassworks at Mill Dam played a significant role in the growth and development of our town. The surviving chimney remains one of the most visible symbols of that legacy and of the hard work, innovation and enterprise that helped shape our community.
“By commemorating the Glassworks Chimney with a Blue Plaque we help preserve the memory of an industry that supported local families, contributed to the town’s prosperity, and played a significant role in South Shields’ industrial past.”
In 1756 the works passed to John Cookson, who entered into a partnership with Thomas Jefferies to make crown glass. It also produced lenses for lighthouses.
In the middle of the 19th century the works passed to R. and W. Swinburne and Company.
The glassworks were acquired in 1892 by the Harton Coal Company and demolished to give access to the Harton Low Staiths.
When the site was cleared, the chimney was saved in 1919 by local workers who recognised its historical significance.
Val Parks said: “The history of glassmaking in South Shields is a fascinating story of innovation, craftsmanship and industry.
“From the pioneering work of the Cookson family to the international success of local manufacturers, the chimney is a powerful symbol of a chapter of our history that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
“Its survival is also a testament to the importance local people place on preserving our heritage. Had those workers not intervened to stop its demolition, this important piece of South Shields’ history could have been lost forever.
“This Blue Plaque is a fitting tribute to both our glassmaking heritage and the people who helped ensure its story lives on.”
For further information about the South Tyneside Blue Plaque scheme visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/blueplaques