Alsace-Lorraine | The Small Part of France with a Large Glass History

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The Alsace-Lorraine area of France is steeped in history and conflict. On the eastern edge of France, near the German border, the territory was annexed to Germany during the Franco Prussian war in 1871, and not returned to France until the conclusion of the First World War. Despite such turbulence in the area, it produced some of the finest glass around the turn of the 20th century, with René Lalique, Émile Gallé and the Daum family some of the most high-profile glassmakers to grace the area.

^{A Daum enamelled cameo glass bowl (£400-600)}

Jean Daum had little experience of glass when he established the firm in 1878 and, initially, the glassworks based in Nancy produced utilitarian items. After Jean’s death in 1885, the firm was taken over by his sons, Auguste and Antonin, and under their leadership, the business was transformed, becoming one of the most respected and high-quality producers of glass in the Art Nouveau period. As well as their own success, they nurtured other glassmakers to become successful in their own pursuits, such as Charles Schneider. Daum’s work, often cameo glass, is typified by incredible attention to detail and numerous decorative processes. We have several pieces in the forthcoming auction, which display mottled glass bodies, acid etching and enamelling. One such piece is the ‘Bluebells’ vase which encapsulates these decorative methods in a naturalistic masterpiece.

^{Émile Gallé (French, 1846-1904) (£500-700)}

Émile Gallé glass also features in our Design sale. Gallé’s work displays his passion and knowledge of botany, and his floral designs were much admired by the affluent population at the time, due to their accordance with Art Nouveau ideals. Landscapes, animals, insects and more exotic designs were produced after Gallé’s death. Like Daum, the glassworks was renowned for its production of cameo glass, a technique revived in the 19th century by Stourbridge firms. One of the fine examples on offer depicts butterflies in flight.

^{René Lalique (1860-1945) (£300-500)}

Although the Alsace-Lorraine region suffered its political upheavals, it became a beacon of artistic innovation for glassmaking. Output from the area not only reflects the rich cultural heritage, but also highlights the mastery of Art Nouveau design. The pieces featured in our upcoming sale offer a glimpse into the remarkable craftsmanship that defined this era. These works stand as enduring symbols of beauty and creativity, a testament to the resilience and
artistic spirit of the Alsace-Lorraine region during a time of great change.

Tuesday 22 October | 10am

design@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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