Emile Galle: Master of Art Nouveau Glass

During the Art Nouveau era, Émile Gallé was Europe’s supreme glass master. Born in 1846 in Nancy, Lorraine, Gallé took over the family business during the mid-1870s and transformed it into one of the world’s leading art manufactories. In addition to glass, Gallé produced art pottery and innovative furniture for his creations to stand on. He was first and foremost a chemist, constantly perfecting new techniques. First there was enamelling on clear glass, then hand-carved and acid etched cameo glass and his ultimate technique ‘glass marquetry’ perfected for Paris 1900. In 1901 Gallé spearheaded the foundation of l’Ecole de Nancy, or the School of Nancy, a confederation of manufacturers, which numbered Majorelle and Daum Frères. The city of Nancy was transformed as houses, banks, shops, and cafés, many of which still survive, sprang up in the Art Nouveau style. Although Art Nouveau declined in many other centres during the opening years of the new century, in Nancy it thrived up to the First World War and aspects of the movement can still be traced in the post-war years. Émile Gallé firm closed in 1936, a victim of the Depression but Daum Frères is still a leading manufacturer of Art Glass.

This event is free to members.

Visitors are welcome to join us - £5 on the door.