Joy McCall introduces Lalique | A Private Collection of Scent Bottles, discussing the diversity of form, colour and techniques that featured in this wonderful single-owner collection.
Having already acquired vases and bowls by René Lalique over a number of years, the owner of this collection started researching the works and was captivated by the scent bottles illustrated in the reference books. He saw the bottles are miniature works of art.
One of Lalique’s neighbours in Paris was Francois Coty, the perfumer, and he invited Lalique to design bottles for him. This was revolutionary as before this, scent was acquired in phials from the pharmacy to then be decanted into generic dressing table bottles at home. However, Lalique created bespoke perfume bottles and in so doing established a precedent for future commercial perfume bottle presentation and packaging.
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.