The Museum of Glass (MOG) in Tacoma, Washington is the West Coast’s largest and most active museum glass studio. One of the recent MOG exhibitions was René Lalique: Art Deco Gems from the Steven and Roslyn Shulman Collection.
According to the display:
“René Lalique’s remarkable artistic career was dedicated to creating artwork for a modern century. He explored innovative avenues for glass by marketing to new audiences. By adopting industrial machinery, to produce a set of artistic tools, that created pieces that were sold at more affordable prices. In doing so, Lalique became a champion of glass as a luminous, versatile art medium, expanding its popularity without sacrificing his artistic vision.”
The American middle class entered a period of prosperity during the 1920s. According to the display:
“Lalique was quick to take advantage of this revitalized demographic and designed a variety of artworks for the home. Including everything from desk accessories to tableware, these pieces epitomized Lalique’s career-long mission to make art for all.”
Shown above is Cinq hirondelles (Five Swallows), a clock made in 1920 with mold-pressed glass, enamel.
Shown above is Paons (Peacocks), a lamp made in 1910 with mold-pressed glass, applied patina.
Shown above is Tȇte d’aigle (Eagle Head), an automobile radiator cap or a paperweight made in 1928 with mold-pressed glass.
Shown above is Hibou (Owl), an inkwell made in 1912 with mold-pressed glass.
Shown above is Sainte Odile (Saint Odile), a box made in 1936 with mold-pressed and acid-etched glass.
Shown above is Lézards (Lizards), a paperweight made in 1913 with mold-pressed glass, applied patina.
Shown above is Rose Paperweight made in 1921 with lost-wax casting.
Shown above is Martinique, an ashtray made in 1928 with mold-pressed glass.
More glass art
Museum of Glass: Some Lalique vases (museum tour)
Museum of Glass: The Art of Being (photo diary)
Museum of Glass: Specere Element by Wes Valdez (photo diary)
Museum of Glass: Gathering the Light (Art Diary)
Museums 101: The Studio Glass Art Movement (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Abstract Glass Sculpture (Art Diary)
Museums 101: Representational Glass Sculpture (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Glass art by Marcus Amerman with Preston Singletary (museum tour)