Verreries Schneider

French, active 1917–1940

Vase, c. 1925

glass

28.5 x 11.1 cm

Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Gift of Edward Semmer and Nellie Silva Semmer in memory of their sister Rose Margaret Graham

G-95-114

Categories:

Glass, Decorative Arts Glass

A generation younger than famed glassmakers Emile Gallé and the Daum brothers, siblings Ernest (1877–1937) and Charles Schneider (1881–1953) began exploring art glass in 1917. Though both had previously worked for Daum, Charles was undeniably the greater talent, assuming the role of artistic director at Verreries Schneider while his brother was the business manager. Originally influenced by Art Nouveau design, Charles soon embraced and championed the Art Deco style. This vase, with its vibrant colours and stylized—almost geometric—pendent flowers is characteristic of Charles’s sophisticated, elegant designs. The factory was very successful, employing some 500 workers by 1925. Many of its products were exported to North America, distributed through the factory’s own gallery as well as through high-end European and American department stores.