About Emile Galle

Emile Galle was the greatest master of Art Nouveau glass used in vases, bowls, and lamps. He had a strong classic education. He was introduced to ceramics and glass as a child in his father's small business. Galle also had a passion for science, specifically botany and entomology. He later studied glassware at the Meisethal Glassworks. While in London, he visited the oriental art collection of the Victoria and Albert museum. Oriental techniques, but not designs would have a large impact on Galle. In 1885, he founded a woodshop and began a revival of the art of marquetry. Galle continued to work with glass in his father's small factory producing vases and lamps. Quick success came to Galle and his glass at the exhibition "Art in Clay and Glass" in 1884. Then he won first prize at the Paris exposition of 1889. Galle opened his own glassworks vase business in 1894. Galle was the inspiration behind the glass vase, bowl, and lamp group, the School of Nancy. In 1901, he founded the Provincial Alliance of the Art Industries and was elected President of the School of Nancy. Galle eventually succumbed to mass production to popularize Art Nouveau products. In 1904, he died of Leukemia at 58 years old.