Lalique Glass

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

This inspired volume is a serious study of master artisan Rene Lalique, born in 1860. Dawes, an antiques dealer and appraiser, traces the evolution of Lalique glassmaking from Rene's career as a jeweler, when glass debuted in his outrageous creations, to the continuation of his meticulous tradition after his death in 1945 by his son Marc and granddaughter Marie-Claude. This thoroughly researched work will be valuable to art collectors; it contains advice on avoiding defective pieces and forgeries, as well as a bibliography of books, catalogues and articles in French and English. Readers will savor the more than 250 color and black-and-white photographs of exquisite objects: vases, statuary, tables, perfume bottles, decorative containers, jewelry, mirrors, ashtrays, desk accessories, clocks, lamps and fixtures, stemware, decanters, candlesticks, plates, bowls and panels. (May 30)

Library Journal

``Few individual designers have been able to achieve the level of artistic output, diversity, and influence'' during a lifetime as Rene Lalique . A magnificent tribute to one of France's most exquisite jewelry designers and master glassmakers of this century, Dawes's book is written for the glass collector, connoisseur, and student. Extensively illustrated and documented, this is a well-rounded biographical, historical, and artistic account of the designer and his style, techniques, and innovations and influences. All aspects of Lalique's work are coveredvases, statuary, cast glass, perfume bottles, illuminated glass, and more. Valuable advice on recognizing the fakes and forgeries is also included. With so little published on Lalique, this is a welcome addition. Highly recommended. Ann E. Cohen, Broome Cty. P.L., Binghamton, N.Y.