Arts And Crafts Of Lorraine

From huge chandeliers to elegantly decorated glassware, Lorraine’s crystalworks have always put beauty above every other consideration and, in doing so, have given the world an image of Lorraine as a place of refinement.

Glazed earthenware is also produced with the same love of luxury and has also been an industry in its own right since the 18th century when it first developed in Lunéville (1724). Niderviller (1735) also became famous for the production of high-quality figures and statuettes. Longwy is currently carrying on the tradition at Saint-Jean-l’Aigle, Les Récollets and the Société des faïenceries. The town is also very well-known for its maunufacturing of turquoise enamelware with craquelure decoration. Be sure to visit the Longwy museum as it contains some very exquisite items.

Another place to visit is the faïence museum in Sarreguemines, best-known for its collection of stunning ceramics and its beautiful winter garden and an area illustrating the techniques used in producing glazed earthenware. And don't forget the faïences or chinoiserie from Lunéville-Saint-Clément, and also the glazed earthenware from the Islettes works in Argonne which can be seen in the Rarécourt museum.

Whether it's crystal or glazed earthenware, glass paste or enamelwork, the expertise of the craftsmen in Lorraine has found international acclaim due to the quality of its products.