A brief history:
Around 1918, sculptor Clovis Viard opened a major workshop specializing in glass creations at 25 rue Chevalier-Desire, Montreuil (Seine). Previously, Clovis Viard worked for the Barbedienne foundry and was awarded a gold medal in 1900.
His son, Julien-Henri, was also a sculptor and exhibited his wares from 1900-1908 at Societe des Artistes Francais in the decorative arts section and received many prizes, such as the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1907. His business associate was Viollet Le Duc. After Clovis Viard's death in 1927, Julien continued runing the workshop and in 1938, the company merged with its primary producer, Depinoix. Some of Viard's clients included the perfume houses of Isabey, Gabilla, Lubin, Gueldy, Sauze and Ramses.
The American Perfumer and Essential Oil Review, 1922:
Perfumery and Essential Oil Record, Volume 16, 1925:
Various glassworks such as Baccarat, Depinoix, Maugenest, Pochet et du Courval, Bobin, Societe Parisienne de Verreries all produced Viard models, then returned them to Viard for finishing, this included surface recutting, polishing, enamels, gilding, patinas, and stopper adjustments. There is a wide variation in quality of Viard signed models, as there were a range of producers, but the quality of the surface decoration was always of the highest excellence. The patina was mostly made up of organic watercolors and when applied to acid etched surfaces, it facilitated the absorption, and produced a subtle transparency. The choice of surface colors was determined by the perfume color and enhanced the presentation.
Viard produced moulds from drawings and many major glassworks commisioned productions of difficult moulds with intricate designs and application of surface decoration. Models varied from simple to elaborate with figural motifs such as stoppers with patina that recalled elements of the perfume's name. The bottle with non-figural stoppers, were often small and had floral designs.
Some bottles were simply marked with an acid stamp-made in France; others were signed J. Viard or J. Villard (when in collaboration with the other famous designer Lucien Gaillard.)
Around 1918, sculptor Clovis Viard opened a major workshop specializing in glass creations at 25 rue Chevalier-Desire, Montreuil (Seine). Previously, Clovis Viard worked for the Barbedienne foundry and was awarded a gold medal in 1900.
His son, Julien-Henri, was also a sculptor and exhibited his wares from 1900-1908 at Societe des Artistes Francais in the decorative arts section and received many prizes, such as the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1907. His business associate was Viollet Le Duc. After Clovis Viard's death in 1927, Julien continued runing the workshop and in 1938, the company merged with its primary producer, Depinoix. Some of Viard's clients included the perfume houses of Isabey, Gabilla, Lubin, Gueldy, Sauze and Ramses.
The American Perfumer and Essential Oil Review, 1922:
"Walter Mueller, secretary of Morana, lnc. New York, returned from a two months' trip to France and Switzerland, on the Ryndam, December 23. Mr. Mueller found conditions in Europe of course very much perturbed in all industries, including raw materials and supplies for perfumers, soap makers, etc. but was very much encouraged by the improvement that is taking place particularly in these lines.
He acquired for his company, exclusive American agency of C. & J. Viard & R. Mouquet, glass bottle designers and manufacturers, at Moutreuil (Seine) France. That company specializes in perfumers' glassware and has been established over twenty five years. They have not heretofore made any active bid for patronage in this market although they had an exhibit at the Pan American Exposition, Buffalo, 1900 where they were awarded a gold medal."
Perfumery and Essential Oil Record, Volume 16, 1925:
"PERFUME CONTAINERS-II. ... The creations of Saumont, Jollivet, Depinoix, Viard et Viollet, Maugenest, Pochet, Bobin, Monod, Baccarat, Ateliers d'Art and Cristalleries de Nancy, are among the most prominent."
Various glassworks such as Baccarat, Depinoix, Maugenest, Pochet et du Courval, Bobin, Societe Parisienne de Verreries all produced Viard models, then returned them to Viard for finishing, this included surface recutting, polishing, enamels, gilding, patinas, and stopper adjustments. There is a wide variation in quality of Viard signed models, as there were a range of producers, but the quality of the surface decoration was always of the highest excellence. The patina was mostly made up of organic watercolors and when applied to acid etched surfaces, it facilitated the absorption, and produced a subtle transparency. The choice of surface colors was determined by the perfume color and enhanced the presentation.
Viard produced moulds from drawings and many major glassworks commisioned productions of difficult moulds with intricate designs and application of surface decoration. Models varied from simple to elaborate with figural motifs such as stoppers with patina that recalled elements of the perfume's name. The bottle with non-figural stoppers, were often small and had floral designs.
Some bottles were simply marked with an acid stamp-made in France; others were signed J. Viard or J. Villard (when in collaboration with the other famous designer Lucien Gaillard.)
No comments:
Post a Comment