One of the most celebrated designers of his generation, René Lalique initially had a highly successful career as an innovative jewellery designer working in the Art Nouveau style, acknowledged for his creative genius by being made an Officer of the French Légion d’honneur, before establishing himself as an Art Deco designer and one of the most important glass makers of the 20th Century.
From about 1894 Lalique began experimenting with glass and from the turn of the century worked almost exclusively exploring the possibilities of the medium. Lalique created four belt designs between 1921 and 1928. Only the present design depicts insects, while the others feature bleeding hearts, a marguerite and the fourth entitled Renaissance is more geometric and 'architectural' in style. Marcilhac in the catalogue raisonné (2011 edition) lists the belt as comprising 18 elements, however, this belt has 20 beads.
This Spring, Lyon & Turnbull's specialist Lalique auction will include the rare Scarabées belt, No 1475 in deep amber. The sale will take place on Thursday 27 April at 1pm live at the Mall Galleries in London and online.
Lyon & Turnbull’s Design Department is delighted to have introduced Lalique as a new biannual sale category in April 2021. No other auction house offers specialist sales devoted entirely to the work of René Lalique.
Senior Specialist, Joy McCall heads these sales as she previously did at Christie’s, London for many years. She has over 25 years of experience selling Lalique and brings to the process her knowledge and expertise together with a personal passion for the subject.
0207 930 9115
joy.mccall@lyonandturnbull.com