Art Déco Table Lamps, PIERRE D'AVESN

The French glass artist, Pierre d’Avesn (1901-1990), received his training at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratif and from René Lalique, where at the age of 14 he learned the technique of glass casting in molds developed by Lalique. In 1927 he moved to Paul Daum in Croisemare (Verrerie d'Art Loraine) and became head of production and design. He was allowed to sign his own top pieces with his name.

Jean Daum (1825-1885) bought the "Verrerie Sainte-Catherine" in Nancy in 1878 and called it "Verrerie de Nancy". His sons Auguste Daum (1853-1909) and Antonin Daum (1864-1930) renamed the glassworks Daum Frères. Auguste ran the factory, while Antonin took over the management of the art department. Since around 1891, the company specialized in the production of art glass with the characteristic floral decorations. Like Emille Gallé, vases, boxes and lamps were made in the style of antique cameo glass.

In the 1920s, Auguste's sons, Jean and Paul Daum (1888-1944), changed the style from Art Nouveau to Art Deco. Due to the high demand, Daum opened another crystal factory in Croismare in 1925, with Paul as director. However, during the economic crisis of the 1930s, this factory had to close, whereas the company in Nancy was able to survive the crisis. In 1945, the family resumed operations in Nancy and converted it into a joint-stock company in the early 1960s.