In keeping with William Morris’s famous Arts & Crafts statement "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful", René Lalique designed works that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. His pieces were also executed to the highest standards in terms of quality and distinguishes them from those of other makers.
Lalique
Collecting Purposeful Art
8 October 2025
Joy McCall
Arguably the only items which do not have a strict utilitarian purpose are Lalique's sculptures and statuettes. Some of these though have religious subject matter so might be viewed as devotional objects. Besides the more recognisable range - that include scent bottles, boxes, ashtrays, seals, paperweights, inkwells, blotters, mirrors and frames, car mascots, lights, jewellery, table and drink wares, bowls and vases – Lalique also designed furniture, fountains and architectural fitments and furnished trains.
Stylistically Lalique moved with the times and his designs very much reflect the avant garde movements of the day starting with Art Nouveau and Symbolism, going through into Art Deco and Modernism. He changed with trends and fashion. Whilst some object types he created are now obsolete they still resonate with collectors because of their beauty. For example, car mascots may not be mounted on the front of a car edifying the status of the owner, but they can be seen displayed in offices of CEOs. Ashtrays may not be used for gathering cigarette ash and stubs, but they are now marketed as ring holders, while inkwells and blotters are now appreciated as ornamental items.
Collecting often begins with a single modestly prices acquisition purchased because it caught someone’s fancy. It often then develops into a more serious and considered pattern of buying. How amazing to be able to justify ones spending on items that are needed such as light fittings and mirrors and at the same time have objects such as vases and bowls that look great even when they are serving a vessel.
What’s incredible about Lalique’s designs is that whilst they were conceived at least 70 years ago they are timeless and still appear modern and luxurious. Who doesn’t want to incorporate beauty into everyday life?
