|
|
BACCARAT, STYLE AND PERFECTION "Their taste for moderation, which is required for both technical and commercial reasons, means that Baccarat only produces pieces that are so well designed and perfectly manufactured that they are able to withstand the test of time. Far from becoming old-fashioned, their sets of crystalware, created a long time ago, are ageless and have now become accepted as "classics". Yolande Amic, extract from the "Baccarat 1764 - 1964" exhibition catalogue. The 19th century: from fame to supremacy Baccarat very quickly excelled in producing sets of crystal glasses. In 1841 they designed the "Harcourt" range, the result of numerous attempts to obtain the best possible degree of light within the crystal. The glass included the famous flat engraved section, the plainness of which showed the light in the crystal off to its best advantage. Throughout the first half of the 19th century Baccarat became renowned in the Expositions Nationales des Produits de l'Industrie Francaise (National Exhibitions of French Industrial Products). All of these events provided the glass-works with the opportunity of presenting new creations, each of which was awarded the First Prize. In 1827 Baccarat was the first crystal manufacturer to present lamps made of crystal and coloured pieces. Baccarat continued developing techniques for refining crystal and colouring methods. The crowning glory in the company's history occurred at the first Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855 when Baccarat's exhibition included candelabras over five metres high and chandeliers bearing 140 lights. Their success was repeated at the second Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1867 when they exhibited a magnificent pair of ruby red-coated vases engraved by Jean-Baptist Simon. These two vases, which were unanimously hailed as masterpieces, today form part of the collection that belongs to the Baccarat Museum in Paris. In 1867 the company also presented a crystal fountain over seven metres high. Once again Baccarat was awarded the First Prize. Besides these outstanding creations Baccarat also continued to invent new techniques, train an elite team of specialist staff including glassmakers, cutters, engravers, gilders, etc. whose talent emerged in the shape of sets of glasses, vases and decorative objects.
|
