A pate-de-verre hanging glass lampshade of rare colouration, with original bronzed-iron chain and fitments for suspension. France c.1920-30

N.B The lampshade is undoubtedly by the Daum factory but the original acid-etched signature has faded over time. At a later date someone has added a signature of “Daum Nancy” which we do not believe to be the original.

Ht.71cm/28in, Diam38/15

Daum Frères, Nancy

Auguste (1853–1909) & Antonin (1864-1931)

• The famous Daum glass factory dates back to 1878 when Jean Daum a lawyer with no glass-making experience, took the Sainte-Catherine glass-works in Nancy as payment for an outstanding debt.
• His sons, first Auguste & later Antonin, became partners in the business, August (Manager) in 1879 and Antonin (Art Director) in 1887.
• Antonin trained as an engineer and artist, he founded the glassworks art department in 1891 and oversaw all creative output, innovating with techniques like cameo glass and acid etching.
• In 1893 they debuted their “Daum Nancy”art glass at the Chicago World’s Fair, establishing their signature and international reputation.
• 1900: Achieved their ultimate triumph at the Paris Exposition Universelle, winning a Grand Prix. This victory allowed them to step out of the shadow of their rival, Émile Gallé.
• 1901: The École de Nancy (Nancy School) is founded by Émile Gallé (president) with Antonin Daum and the furniture maker Louis Majorelle serving as vice presidents.
• 1904: Following Gallé’s death, the Daum brothers became the de facto leaders of the École de Nancy and the global decorative glass market.
• 1920s: Under Paul Daum (Auguste’s son), the company successfully transitioned from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, moving away from floral motifs toward geometric forms and thick, acid-etched glass.
• Lighting was in its infancy as an art form and Daum collaborated with designers of metalwork such as Edgar Brandt and Louis Majorelle to produce creations of appropriate verve and originality.
• Daum along with Gallé are now considered the premier French glass designers of the era.