On Tuesday I attended a talk for the Reigate Antiques Society, given by Eric Knowles (Antiques Roadshow and also Director of Bonham’s Auctioneers) about Rene Lalique, a French Glass Designer and was an innovator of Art Nouveau jewellery and glassware. In the 1920s, he became noted for his work in the Art Deco style. For example the stunning crystal fountain, which had been a feature at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris during 1925.
I had very little previous knowledge of Rene Lalique and was quite annoyed at myself that this was the case! My love of Pre-Raphaelite, mythological and romantic imagery instantly attracted me to pieces such as the ones below:
A nymph like woman with opium poppies surrounding her head.
Swallow comb made from African buffalo horn.
Brooch Le Baiser (The Kiss)
