Daum: art crystal, a jewel of Nancy
Founded in Nancy in 1878, Daum is one of the great houses of art glass and crystal, intimately tied to the École de Nancy and Art Nouveau. Renowned worldwide for its mastery of pâte de verre, it remains a living name in Nancy's heritage, well worth discovering during a stay in the city.
A house born in Nancy in 1878
The story begins in 1878, when Jean Daum, a notary from Bitche, took over a glassworks in Nancy. His sons soon stepped in: Auguste ran the business, joined by his brother Antonin, an engineer by training, in the late 1880s. Together they shifted the workshop from utilitarian output to an artistic venture. That turning point, decided at the dawn of the 1890s, placed Daum among the houses that would write one of the finest chapters of French glass, right here in the heart of Lorraine.
At the heart of the École de Nancy
Daum made its name alongside Émile Gallé and the artists of the École de Nancy, the movement that turned the city into a capital of Art Nouveau. Vases decorated with floral motifs, colour worked into the glass itself, acid-etched surfaces: the house developed a language inspired by nature, in the spirit of the Belle Époque. Its creations won awards at the universal exhibitions of the time. To come across this name in Nancy is to touch a founding moment in the history of decorative arts.
Pâte de verre, a signature
Among the crafts tied to the house, pâte de verre holds a special place. In this technique, glass is ground to powder then melted in a mould, allowing deep, translucent, sensuous material. Explored in Nancy from the early 20th century, it was revived by Daum in the second half of the century and paired with many artists and designers. Today it is one of the house's most recognisable signatures, spanning decorative pieces and contemporary artistic creations.
Tie it into your visit to Nancy
Taking an interest in Daum naturally extends a discovery of Nancy's Art Nouveau. The Musée de l'École de Nancy and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which holds fine glassware collections, round out the walk perfectly, as do the city's many ornate façades. Whether you're simply curious or a lover of decorative arts, the world of glass casts fresh light on Nancy. Step into the boutique to admire exceptional craftsmanship, with no obligation to buy, between two stops on your stay.
Infos pratiques
Questions fréquentes
How long has the Daum house existed?
Since 1878, the year Jean Daum took over a glassworks in Nancy. His sons Auguste and Antonin then steered it towards artistic creation, at the time of the École de Nancy and Art Nouveau.
What is pâte de verre?
It's a technique in which glass, ground to powder, is melted in a mould to obtain translucent, coloured material. Daum has made it one of its signatures, from decorative pieces to artists' creations.
Can I enter the boutique without intending to buy?
Yes, you can simply come to admire the pieces and the glass craftsmanship. It's a lovely way to extend a discovery of Nancy's Art Nouveau during a stay.
What else can I see nearby, linked to Daum, in Nancy?
The Musée de l'École de Nancy and the glass-rich Musée des Beaux-Arts extend the visit perfectly. Add the many Art Nouveau façades scattered across the city.
