Rene Lalique Art Deco glass design
Born in the French village of Ay on 6 April 1860 (died 5 May 1945), Lalique started a glassware firm, named after him, which still remains successful. Lalique experimented with glass. If he performed his first works by the “vanishing wax” (taken from jewelry techniques), then he developed and implemented at the plant in Vinh-sur-Moder method of injection molding. So were many of his sculptures and vases. French jeweler engaged in production of a variety of glass items, including perfume bottles, lighting, chandeliers, clocks, jewelry using colored glass and figures. In addition, he made automobile hood ornaments, and symbols for automotive radiator grilles. In particular, Henry Citroen commissioned the first one.

Besides, Rene Lalique created the walls of lighted glass and elegant colored glass columns which filled the dining room and “grand salon” of the SS Normandie. Also, the interior fittings, cross, screens, reredos, font of St. Matthew’s Church at Millbrook in Jersey (Lalique’s Glass Church). Meanwhile, many of his jewelry pieces and vases showcase plants, flowers and flowing lines.

During World War I, the glass factory of Rene Lalique manufactured many practical items made necessary by the ongoing war, including plain glass bottles and containers for hospitals and medicines. Hundreds upon hundreds of different designs, both single, and large scale commercial production items were created during this period. Lalique brought his design and industrial talents to creating just about anything that could be made artistically with glass. This also included car mascots, light fixtures, statues, fountains, and a dizzying array of other objects.

Rene Lalique Art Deco glass design

Lalique employed up to several hundred workers at one time, and brought art into the lives of ordinary people through both useful and decorative glass creations which the public clamored to purchase. But Lalique did not stop at just industrial production to create his magical glass. Many of his works were subject to post manufacture touches including enameling, painting, frosting, and polishing; all designed to create even more unique and desirable objects.

Demand was already so great for Lalique Glass prior to 1920, that in 1919 work began on a new glass factory at Wingen-sur-Moder in the Alsace region of France. This new manufacturing facility was completed in 1921. Lalique’s plans for his new his glass factory were spelled out in an interview he did in the mid 1920’s when said he wanted to reduce the price of glass while making many different designs, so he could introduce his art (his art glass) into every home and make it available to everyone.

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