1882, BORN OF Maison Vessière
The story takes us back 140 years to the heart of Art Nouveau, a prolific creative era that took root at Baccarat.
After touring the world presenting Baccarat’s creations at numerous exhibitions, Justin Vessière, the founder, and his son received the highest awards for their crystal engraving work.
In 1882, Justin Vessière opened the first store located at 26 rue des Ponts. It was then the sole and first distributor of Baccarat crystals.
Distributors, but also creators
Accompanied by his brother Charles, Justin also presented their creations in the wake of the Nancy School.
Fauna and flora are represented, the two favorite themes of this prolific creative period known as Art Nouveau.
This large-scale artistic movement would impact all sectors of society, amplified by a major event that contributed to the expansion of Lorraine’s art glass industry: the Treaty of Frankfurt.
The period from 1870 to 1914 was one of extreme prosperity in the Lorraine region.
Nancy, cradle of Art Nouveau
The Treaty of Frankfurt, signed on May 10, 1871, abolished part of Alsace-Lorraine and disrupted the city of Nancy.
The repercussions of this annexation were immediate for Nancy, which became the gateway for Alsatians and Lorrainers wishing to remain French.
In the space of 30 years, the city’s population doubled, reaching 120,000 inhabitants in 1914.
This was accompanied by a transfer of labor, know-how, and capital.
This pool of talent would produce some of the greatest names, such as Antonin Daum, Émile Gallé, and the Muller brothers.
Lorraine’s art glassworks became renowned throughout the world.
In 1901, the two brothers opened a decoration workshop in Nancy
Artists and businessmen alike, the Vessière family opened a creative workshop attached to a showroom located at 4 rue Saint Dizier in Nancy.
Production was in full swing, and magnificent pieces came to life in these workshops under the influence of Art Nouveau.
Acid etching, as illustrated by these three magnificent goblets, was practiced, as well as enameling and gilding.
The Lorraine thistle and the Cross of Lorraine are often depicted in the works.
1915, installation on the other side of the Meurthe
Two generations succeeded one another in Nancy. In Baccarat, the First World War wreaked havoc.
Following the bombings of 1914, the Baccarat church, as well as Rue des Ponts, where the first Vessière store was located, were completely destroyed.
Despite this tragedy, the two brothers moved the following year into the former central warehouse on the corner with a gable end facing the street.
The store has remained unchanged since then; only the name of the street has changed, becoming Division-Leclerc after the Second World War.
A dark period, during which the house was occupied by the Germans, the Vessière descendants living in the cellar…
Five generations succeed one another at Baccarat
Although Vessière has now left Nancy, we remain firmly rooted in Baccarat, where we offer you the renowned crystal makers of Lorraine.
Baccarat, Daum, Lalique, and now Saint-Louis, we select the finest crystal and take great pleasure in advising you, drawing on our wealth of experience.
Take advantage of our after-sales service, open 7 days a week, 363 days a year, to best meet your needs.
If you have any questions, please call us at +33 3 83 75 10 55
VESSIÈRE FRÈRES, LA COLLECTION
Every year, we scour auction rooms in search of pieces by the Vessière brothers.
Our goal is to bring the collection to life through various exhibitions.
We have therefore launched a dedicated website, www.vessiere-freres.fr, to present the collection in its best light.
This research has revealed that a large number of glassworks are neglected.
Bayel, Portieux, Vallérysthal—we unearth these treasures, restore them, and offer them for sale.
To discover the Vessière frères website, follow this link.
57 years ago, Bourvil visited us!
By chance, actor Bourvil, who was filming “Les grandes gueules” in the Vosges mountains, visited Baccarat between takes.
In 1965, he entered the crystal shop, where he was greeted by Louis Vessière.
A black and white photograph perpetuates the memory of this encounter with the actor, who then purchased a vase.
VESSIÈRE DANS LA PRESS
