La table, tout un art

From 19 May to 1 November, 2021
Admission fee

Generally associated with a certain French art de vivre, table art has long attracted the creative talents of prestigious design houses. Both a talented artist and a skilled industrialist, René Lalique brought novel techniques and originality to les arts de la table.

The spirit of Lalique tableware was greatly admired for its pure, delicate lines and great elegance. Lysiane Sarah-Bernhardt, the granddaughter of the famous French actress, was full of praise: “If I was planning a totally memorable gastronomic dinner for a group of friends, I would like Lalique to take care of the table decoration. Light from his most beautiful candelabra would reflect on his finest and most charming pieces. What could be more amiable than the sound of the finest crystal echoing like a youthful voice across the table?“

Dishes, trays, plates, candelabra, menu holders, knife rests and fine glassware – the diversity of his creations is impressive. Combining functionality and aesthetics, his creations were also inspired by the “desire to provide people with beautiful objects for use in daily life that were both beautifully made and affordable”. Lalique tableware had pride of place on wedding lists, shipping companies commissioned dinner services, wine producers and dealers also called upon his services. Lalique’s reputation earned him numerous orders from famous personalities, both French and international. Today, Maison Lalique tableware includes wine services, bottles and decanters for spirits and imposing pieces for prestigious restaurants. 

La table, tout un art will focus on Lalique’s fabulous creativity through the philosophy that guided production, examples of his most prestigious tableware, and the evolution of wine services and the changing habits in the world of wine drinking.