A beautiful “Les Carpe” Opalescent Glass Plafonnier designed and signed by Pierre D’avesn, produced either at Verreries D’art Lorrain or Verlys. France c.1930-40

Pierre d’Avesn 1901-1990

The “Silent Genius” of Lalique and Daum

• Pierre d’Avesn (born Pierre Girre) received his classical artistic training at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) in Paris.
• The Lalique Years (1915–1926): He started as an apprentice to René Lalique at age 14. He is credited with designing some of Lalique’s most iconic masterpieces, such as “The Serpent” and “Tourbillons” vases, though he was never allowed to sign them with his own name.
• Daum and ” Les Verreries d’Art Lorrain” (1930–1936): He was headhunted by Daum to lead their “Croismare” facility near Luneville. He produced a line of moulded glass under the brand names Lorrain and Val, intended for luxury department stores like Galeries Lafayette.
• Verlys (1937–1940): Before WWII, he managed Verlys, another top-tier producer of opalescent glass that competed directly with Lalique.
• While working for Daum & Verlys, D’avesn’s personal designs were allows to bear his signature unlike when he was working at Lalique.