MUSE
Emile Gallé
I often think glass makers are overlooked. Whilst researching AW21 we turned to Emille Galle the French artist and glass maker. With a background in botany, he became one of the innovators of the Art Noveau movement. Galle developed the practice of using deeply coloured opaque glass which he would then etch or carve to make plant motifs. After exhibiting in the Paris exposition of 1889, where he became truly recognised for his work he became strongly influenced by Japanese art and you can see that inspiration throughout his lifetimes production.
His iconic Oakleaf vase never fails to inspire, one can bask in the colour, and admire the placement of the oak leaf which gently wraps itself around the vase.
Every time I go to the V&A glass department, I am overwhelmed by the gorgeous colours that glass delivers, and the craftsmanship required to produce these amazing art objects.
- Heti Gervis
