Cake Plate, W.J. Reid & Co. Crystal Hall Works

Datec. 1880

DimensionsOverall: 19.8 cm

Credit LineCollection of Museum London, 2004

Object number2004.027.035

Label TextOn July 16, 1907, W. J. Reid’s Crystal Hall, at 197-199 Dundas Street, collapsed. Seven people were killed. For decades, this glass and crockery retail and wholesale business had sold a wide range of goods. In 1907, Reid leased part of the building to Peter Smirlie, who planned to open a bowling alley and billiards hall. Against his builders’ advice, Smirlie added windows and replaced the main floor’s centre wall with iron pillars. London had no building inspectors to prevent the changes. Investigators did not blame anyone for the disaster. London hired its first building inspector not long after. Nathaniel Reid, father of W. J. Reid, began the business in the early 1840s. At first, he operated a general store before focusing on the crockery business in 1858. The building that collapsed was built in 1876. Within it 60 staff members worked. Reid imported goods from around the world and the business also included two kilns to burn patterns onto different wares.

NamePlate, Cake