William Beilby

William Beilby (1740 – 8 October 1819)[1] was an English glassworker known to have produced eminent enamelled glass during the later half of the 18th century.

As Ralph emerged as the business head of the family, Mary spent much of her time with Beilby, who had fallen in love with medieval Newcastle.

Beilby taught Mary to paint in enamels at the family workshop in Amen Corner by St Nicholas' Church, though she never matched the skill of her brother.

As he achieved greater recognition, Beilby was often called upon to create glasses with fictitious heraldry on them, or pieces commemorating particular events like the election of the Lord Mayor or the launching of a ship.

Beilby glasses can be found in great museums all over the world, and even when damaged are worth tens of thousands of pounds.