The exquisite Saint-Louis crystal is born from a ball of fire and the breath of man, merging the talent inherited from ages of practice with the creativity of contemporary design. We can’t wait to admire the masterpieces created with it at iSaloni 2019.
iSaloni 2019: Hand Crafting Crystal. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
Long before the name Saint-Louis became well-known in the very select circle of haute cristallerie, glass was already relevant in the Bitche region. In this northern part of the Vosges, where alchemy and dreaming were traditional occupations, everything needed was available to allow the mystical union of sand and fire to create amazing glassworks.
iSaloni 2019: Hand Crafting Crystal. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
Born in 1586, the Müntzthal glassworks became “Verrerie royale” (Royal Glassworks) in 1767 through Louis XV’s royal seal of approval. The talented master glassmakers blew, engraved and cut glass with dedication and passion to produce the finest and most transparent glass possible. Italy and Bohemia were already producing crystalline, but it was the Englishman George Ravenscroft who perfected the technique for making genuine crystal. In 1781, experts at Saint-Louis followed his steps.
iSaloni 2019: “Folia Bookcase”. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
iSaloni 2019: Lighting Design. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
Since 1829, renamed “Cristallerie royale de Saint-Louis”, the manufacturer is exclusively devoted to the production of crystal-glass items and introduced the concept of a set of glasses for the dining table with the Trianon service. Through aesthetic and technical innovations, rewarded with gold medals and orders, their art of bringing crystal to life seduces the world.
iSaloni 2019: “Quadrille Pedestal Table”. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
Since then, Saint-Louis signs several crystal creations, from tableware, vases, chandeliers to lighting items, all of them crafted by master glassblowers and cutters considered to be among the very best in France (“Meilleurs Ouvriers de France”). These precious craftsmen keep irreplaceable knowledge and ancestral skills that have been enhanced from generation to generation. The crystal is mouthblown, hand-cut, hand-engraved and hand-decorated using 24-carat gold or platinum.
iSaloni 2019: “Folia clear ash sofa side table”. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
iSaloni 2019: “Folia console”. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
Saint-Louis is truly an outstanding manufacturer, blending tradition and innovation with extraordinary elegance, always drawing inspiration from contemporary art, renewing itself endlessly. In the early 20th century, between Art Nouveau and Art Deco trends, designers brought their talents to Saint-Louis, artists such as Paul Nicolas, Jean Sala, Jean Luce, Michel Colle and Maurice Dufrêne, to name a few.
Decorative Crystals. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
Saint-Louis is part of the Hermès group since 1995 and continues to challenge the imagination and skills of designers who open the way to new uses for crystal. Their tableware, decorative objects and lighting collections are enhanced by the creations of Eric Gizard, Hervé van der Straeten, Ionna Vautrin, José Lévy, Kiki van Eijk, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance and Paola Navone.
“Les Endiablés flannel-grey mirror”. Photo: ©Maison Saint Louis
Stay with us to find out more about Salone del Mobile Milano 2019, contemporary design and craftsmanship.
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