2024-07-04 09:24:00
Lorraine, located in the Grand Est region of France, has been known for hundreds of years for its excellent crystal production. Affaritaliani.it visits the glass factory in Saint Louis, the only one that allows you to discover the stages of production: from the raw material to the finished work, up to the museum and shop.
In the heart of Lorraine, the land of culture and art in the Grand East of FranceOur picture glass jewelry: Saint Louis glass works. Founded in 1586, it is the largest producer in Europe; its history, steeped in innovation and innovation, is reflected in everything created, from the shining chalice to the sumptuous chandelier. Crystal processing in Lorraine represents a fundamental element in European glass art. Since the 16th century, in fact, this French region has been the beating heart of crystal production, thanks to its abundant minerals and the talent of its artists; during the 1700s, under the influence of the rulers of Lorraine and then the kings of France, The art of glass therefore establishes itself as one of the most important in Europe, reaching the pinnacle of quality and innovation. Later the industrial revolution led to significant improvements in manufacturing processes, allowing perfection and complexity in production. In particular, The glassware of Baccarat, founded in 1764, and of Saint Louis became synonymous with excellence, exporting their products all over the world.
Today Lorraine crystal represents an invaluable cultural and artistic heritage, testifying to a tradition that combines creativity, history and technology. The artefacts, true works of art, are famous above all for their clarity and brilliant shine when exposed to light, so much so that they attract collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world. The crystal manufacturing process begins with a careful selection of raw materials: sand, potassium carbonate and lead oxide melted at high temperatures. This technique allows to create a crystal, which – when it is still cloudy – is blown and shaped by glassmakers in two different working areas, depending on whether it is transparent or colored crystal. We at Affaritaliani.it have the opportunity to observe the technique of the artisans in manipulating molten glass thanks to a guided tour in the different sectors of the Saint Louis glass works: a fascinating view, as well as a century-old art work handed down from generation to generation, which we recommend finding and knowing more about a trip to Lorraine.
Each processing level is carried out by hand. In particular, Saint Louis glassware is famous for its engraving, cutting and gilding techniques. The staff who work here, who come from the best specialized schools in Moulins and Sarrebourg and are very young, design delicate and geometric patterns on crystal with care and attention, creating sculptures of light it increases the beauty of the material. Cutting, made with millimetric accuracy and sometimes using diamond because of its hardness, gives creations an incomparable finish; finally, the gilding, applied with 24 carat gold leaves, adds a touch of luxury and prestige.
A visit to Saint Louis glassworks is therefore a unique experience that needs to be lived, especially if you are planning a holiday in the Grand East of France. Not to be forgotten museum, located inside the factory, which tells its story through a collection of ancient and modern pieces: each item on display bears witness to the culture and technical evolution of the art of crystal. Among the most fascinating works stand out the great chandeliers, true masterpieces of technology and design; The most valuable one is probably a time piece, which belongs to the king of Nepal, which has been in the year 1895.
Before going back outside it is worth stopping in glassware shop, which gives the opportunity to take this traditional memorial house at prices lower than market prices. Here, among the bright displays, you can find goblets, glasses, vases and chandeliers, each the result of hours of work and love; each item is unique, an expression of the artistic excellence found here. If we had to make a suggestion, we’d recommend focusing on it famous book volumes, crystal spheres with collections of millefiori or more or less complex complications made by hand using specific, semi-secret techniques. We know, in any case, that we start with the production of what is definitely a hot baguette, after which there is a cold colored cheese that is cut into many small parts using pliers ; Finally, the desired design is based on the location of the small pieces now accepted – called candy or in English sugar drops – on a metal base and then blowing the crystal around it, so that you can get on the shape of the place where you hide them. The result is simply amazing and, although some models are reproduced many times, nothing will be the same as another, because they are completely handcrafted by experts who have achieved many decades of practice and knowledge of the apparatus.
Saint Louis glassware is therefore more than a place of production: it is a symbol of quality and craftsmanship, where tradition blends with innovation to create timeless pieces of art. A visit to this magical place allows you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of crystal, incredibly close to the dedication and talent of the artists, who make each object a work of art of incredible beauty. Meanwhile, France continues its special year thanks to 150 years of Impressionism, the anniversary of the Normandy landings, the Tour de France recently started from Florence and apparently the long-awaited 2024 Olympics.
#Discovery #ancient #art #crystal #Lorraine