SCHNEIDER
Charles Schneider, born on February 23, 1881, in Chateau-Thierry near Paris, emerged as a pivotal figure in French art glass through his innovative designs and mastery of glassmaking techniques. Along with his brother Ernest, Charles embarked on a lifelong journey in the art glass industry, significantly shaping its evolution in the 20th century.
In 1903, while Ernest started as a clerk at Daum, Charles had already been immersing himself in the artistic world of glass at the same company since 1898. His training included engraving and decorating workshops alongside studies in drawing and modeling with Henri Berge at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Nancy. His dedication to mastering his craft took him to the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1904, where he studied painting and medal engraving, creating art objects in the Art Nouveau style.
By 1913, the Schneider brothers were ready to establish their mark on the industry by purchasing a small glass factory in Epinay-sur-Seine, specializing initially in electric light bulbs. The factory soon shifted focus under the new name 'Schneider Freres & Wolf', producing distinguished glassworks that featured both traditional and innovative techniques. However, the outbreak of World War I temporarily halted their operations.
Post-war, in 1917, the factory reopened as "Societe Anonyme des Verreries Schneider", quickly adapting to the tastes of the time which favored Art Nouveau aesthetics. The factory specialized in cameo glass but also produced commercial glassware. A notable shift occurred when the Galle studios were destroyed by fire in 1918, leading many of its artists to join Schneider, where they introduced the 'marqueterie de verre' technique to Charles. This period saw the creation of innovative art glass pieces, characterized by their intricate and vibrant designs.
The 1920s were a prosperous time for Schneider, with the factory producing high-quality art glass marked under the names 'Le Verre Français' and 'Charder'. These pieces were sold in department stores and specialized art shops, making the Schneider name synonymous with luxury and quality in glassmaking.
Despite the success, the Great Depression marked a downturn for the company, leading to a decline in the production of art glass. Attempts to save the firm were unsuccessful, and the company eventually liquidated in 1937, a month after Ernest Schneider's death.
Undeterred by previous setbacks, Charles, with his son, founded "Cristalleries Schneider" in 1950 at Epinay-sur-Seine, later moving to Lloris. This new venture continued the tradition of excellence in glassmaking, focusing on lead crystal and adopting modern mid-century styles. Charles Schneider passed away in 1952, and the factory continued until its closure in 1981.
Charles Schneider's legacy is one of innovation, resilience, and artistic excellence, influencing generations of glassmakers and leaving an indelible mark on the world of art glass.
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