The first glassware manufacture was built in 1586 in the area then known as the Münzthal, because there were all the resources necessary for glass production. In 1767, Louis XV authorized the construction of a glassware manufacture on the site of the former Münzthal glassworks. The king granted it the title of “Royal Glass Factory of Saint-Louis”. Fifteen years later, with the development of the formula for crystal, the manufactory became the Cristallerie Saint-Louis. It was the first manufactory in mainland Europe ever, which succeeded in producing lead crystal.
Since then, crystal objects – lamps, glasses, decorative pieces, and furniture – have been made every day in Saint-Louis by glassblowers and master cutters who are among the best craftsmen in France. They all possess an irreplaceable know-how handed down from one generation to the next: mouth-blown crystal, hand-cut, engraved and decorated with 24-carat gold or platinum. Their talent has made Saint-Louis an expert in colour and cut. With a palette of more than ten colours and a variety of cut types, including the emblematic diamond cut, the manufacture offers a wide variety of styles and exceptional creations.
Saint-Louis is a manufacture in the spirit of the times, a balanced blend of tradition and innovation, always inspired by modern artistic trends to build and renew its identity.
The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the creative currents of Art Nouveau and the emergence of Art Deco. At that time, many designers brought themselves to Saint-Louis, for example artists such as Paul Nicolas, Jean Sala, Jean Luce, Michel Colle, and Maurice Dufrêne.
Today, Saint-Louis continues to use the imagination and talent of designers to create new uses for the world of crystal. The collections are enriched by the creations of Éric Gizard, Hervé van der Straeten, Ionna Vautrin, José Lévy, Kiki van Eijk, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance and Paola Navone – for eternal objects of pleasure and conviviality!
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