Figure 2. Harcourt glass, 1841

BACCARAT

-250 years of crystal production

Dirk Schrijvers

French glass industry started in the 17^th century under the influence of Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619 –1683), a French politician who served as the Minister of Finances of France under King Louis XIV. He founded the Manufacture “Royale de glaces de miroirs” in 1665 to counteract the importation of Venetian glass. Since that time, many World famous glass brands have been founded in France and this year, Baccarat celebrates its 250 years of existence.

Posted 8 March 2014

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This crystal manufacturer was established in 1764 by decree of King Louis XV in the town of Baccarat in the Lorraine region in eastern France and produced initially window panes, mirrors and stemware In 1816, the first crystal oven went into operation and produced luxury crystal objects. From 1823, Baccarat received its first royal commission which was the start a lengthy line of commissions for royalty and heads of state throughout the world including a first set of glasses commissioned by Louis XVIII, majestic candelabras (Figure 1) for tsar Nicholas II and prestigious orders from maharajas.

Figure 1. “Czar” candelabrum


In the 20^th century, Baccarat acquired and developed a site at the Rue de Paradis in Paris, France with the installation of the company headquarters, a sales space and in the 1960s a museum. In 2003, the company relocated to place des Etats-Unis in Paris. The United States company Starwood Capital Group, is the majority shareholder of Baccarat since 2005. The company owns two museums: the Baccarat Museum in Baccarat, Meurthe-et-Moselle and the Museum-Gallery Baccarat on the Place des États-Unis in Paris, France. The Museum in the Baccarat village is closed for renovation at this time.		Figure 3. “Uttu”’ vase by Ettore Sottsass, 2002


Figure 4. Harcourt Darkside AÏE glass By Philippe Starck		Over the past 250 years, Baccarat’s crystal production includes high-quality pieces such as stemware, vases, lamps, chandeliers, barware, jewelry and perfume bottles. In 1841, the iconic Harcourt glass series (Figure 2) was started, which still to this day adorns the tables of leading figures and personalities. In their contemporary production, Baccarat includes designs by renowned designers such as Ettore Sottsass (Figure 3), Philip Starck (Figure 4), Kenzo Takada, Marcel Wanders and Jaime Hayon (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Zoo collection by Jamie Hayon


To mark its 250 anniversary, Baccarat has released a book, published by Rizzoli, that highlights the brand’s history and evolution. In addition, Nendo has collaborated with the French luxury crystal house to create a limited edition chess set that is based on the Harcourt glass design with 32 hand-cut pieces made in clear and midnight blue crystal, shaped in forms of the king’s crown, the hem of the queen’s robes and the bishop’s mitre (Figure 6). References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baccarat_(company) http://www.baccarat.com		Figure 6. Harcourt chess set by nendo