The history of the paperweight is as obscure as the history
of glass making itself. What we do know is that glassmaking can be traced to
the 14th and 15th centuries BC. The paperweight, on the other hand, probably
originated in Venice but gained popularity during the Austrian Industrial Fair
held in Vienna in 1845. The Venetian glass maker Pietro Bigaglia is credited
with using what is called a millefiori design and, as his work was displayed at
the Vienna Fair the beauty of these glass objects was coveted by those who saw
them. A Frenchman who was attending the grand Fair and who was associated with
the Nationale des Arts et Metier and a glass expert was so impressed he brought
some to Paris where they were introduced to the great and well-established
glass factories of France, Clichy, St. Louis, Baccarat. Lalique, Daum and
Pantin would follow in the manufacture of these sought after and collectible
objects. Millefiori literally means a thousand flowers as the most beautiful paperweights
were made from multicoloured glass rods cut and shaped into intricate designs
and surrounded by a clear glass globe. The French manufacturers became
proficient and highly expert in creating these objects and today the early manufacturing
period from 1845 to 1860 is known as the Classical Period. Anything after that
is classed as the Renaissance period. To find a Classical period paperweight is
to experience the joy of a true collector. They are rare. Extremely so. Collette was a collector and I have seen
photographs of her surrounded by a stunning collection. The Decorative Arts
Museum in Paris has a display that I photographed 2 years ago. They are
confined to a secure display case under glass and certainly are the most beautiful
array I have ever seen. During our Sojourn in NYC, I used to drop into a little
shop that was solely devoted to the collector of these expensive objet d’art.
The gentleman who owned or at least ran the place came to recognize me and we
would talk about the various pieces he had located. Naturally, these were
mostly of the classical period so far too expensive for me.
But I digress. We took a trip to the Lalique museum in the
Alsace where most of the great glass makers of France originated. On the way
there I noticed a small sign for St Louis. Not realizing at this point most of
the major glass manufacturers had roots in the Alsace or nearby area, I thought
we should visit St. Louis as well. So, there are photos of both the Lalique
museum and the working St Louis factory.
Lalique was amazing. René
Lalique had an eye for detail and particularly the detail of the natural world
like no other. He produced glassware and stunning jewelry. He also dreamt up
sumptuous showcases for the greatest purveyors of perfume in the fabulous
bottles he produced for the products. The bottle has since become the of conveyor
of values and symbols. Through the choice of shape, colour and graphics it
transports the user to an imaginary world. The overall designs aimed to give
coherence and resonance to names, bottles and perfumes by the great makers such
as Guerlain, Molinard, Worth, Jean de Pays, Roger & Gallet and many others.
Of the bottles on display, so many were
recognizable, from the dressing tables of multitudes of women who have enjoyed
the romance of scent in a beautiful bottle. Mass -production was the future of
glass making, a point that Lalique thoroughly understood. Over and above the
shapes of the bottles Rene̒ Lalique paid particular attention to the stopper. Instead of
simply being a necessity it took pride of place, the heart of the motif. He was
a man with an amazing eye for detail and these perfume bottle creations enabled
him to honour woman and the flora that so inspired him.
A tireless observer, profoundly curious about the tiniest detail,
he did not attempt to copy, imitate or stylize. He created by transforming. His
thorough knowledge of ancient art, his unequalled understanding of nature and
his teeming imagination enabled him to develop his own style.
Of course, this trip took place in October, well before
confinement. We have been consumed with caring for Oscar who became terribly
ill suddenly. It now appears, after 6 weeks of being a truly sick cat, that his
symptoms have evaporated, to a significant degree. Our veterinary is not giving
us all clear yet and we are just cautiously optimistic. We wait and see and
always hope for the best for our little travel buddy and dear companion.
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From the St Louis Museum attached to the working Factory |
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Array of New Paperweights at St. Louis |
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Example of Millefiori Method |
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St Louis Created this Style of Layered and Woven glass |
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Pure Colour |
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Carved and Coloured Glass a St. Louis Specialty to this Day |
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Attractive, Collectible Green |
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Massive Vase to Large to Carry Home! |
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Giant Glass Chandelier in Lobby of St Louis |
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Trip Crew: Helen, Chris, Liz, Dave, John |
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Example of the master work of René Jules Lalique, born on April 6, 1860 in Champagne on the Marne, and died on May 1, 1945, A French master glassmaker and jeweler. |
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Every Example of his Work Exemplifies his Attention to Nature's Details |
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Carved and Molded Examples |
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The Glassworks Trail. Once Part of Germany |
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Thistles in Glass |
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Perfume Bottles Brought Fame and Fortune and Appreciation |
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Bottle Designed for Coty |
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An Aunt had the Turquoise Bottle. Where is it Now? |
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Array of Bottles |
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Elegant is the Word |
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Seed Pods |
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Watch Design |
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Superb Art Deco Design |
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| Winter Scene in Glass |
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| Dogs Running in Glass |
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Dragonfly Pin |
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On the Christmas Wish List! |
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Delicate Dragonflies |
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Are These Bees Real? |
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Cuff Bracelet |
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Brooch of Gold, Diamonds & Exquisite Design |
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Fine Example of Millefiori & Ribbon Design |
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Millefiori at Its Best! |
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Lily of the Valley Imbedded in Glass |
