Emile Galle " Poetry in Glass" 1846-1904

Meisenthal hand blown

Artistically,Emile Galle was at the forefront of the art of studio glass production.He learned his trade at Meisenthal,a commune in north east France that invented Christmas glass decorations.He then travelled throughout Europe, studying the work of influential glass makers of the time.

From these experiences, Galle would become the greatest Art Nouveau period glass producer (mainly vases and table lamps). Abandoning the old ideas and introducing original concepts of plants,insects and flowers.


He discovered metallic foils could give a desired effect when applied in the glass making
process, applying the metallic foils between the coloured glass sheets.

Using Thistles,Fuchsias,Clematis and Chrysanthemums, the stunning effects are that the subject matter look as though they are growing around the vessel.

Galle was a humanist and supported many controversial causes during his lifetime.


Cameo carved glass was also Galles forte in relief with design in different colours from the background.

Engraved Crystal Vase

The trademark of Galle was the air of mystery he created by carving or sealing a poetic sentence within each vessel.He had a passion for naturalistic designs,innovative techniques, and introduced a heavy Japanese opaque glass,cut,carved and etched with motifs.

The Dragonfly Bowl (Nancy 1903)

After his death,his widow operated the glass works,but all the produced glass,whilst bearing his signature had a star alongside.

"I have sought to make crystal yield forth all the tender or fierce expression I can summon when guided by a hand that delights in it."    Emile Galle.

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