Travels with Forty Roses: Lalique & St Louis

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 14^th and 15^th 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.