Art Nouveau is one of my favorite movements. I have enjoyed it in Prague and Barcelona. The New York Times had an interesting article, A Fast Train Leads Back to the Time of Art Nouveau. Apparently there was an art nouveau school at Nancy. As the article states, “The school's stated goals: “art in everything” and “art for everyone.” Like Gustav Klimt in Austria, Antonio Gaudí in Barcelona and Hector Guimard in Paris, Nancy artists were experimenting with natural shapes — flowers, vines, birds, insects — and the idea of using industrial techniques and materials to create beauty.” A noble goal.
It continues, “The founder of the School of Nancy was Emile Gallé, such a master of glassmaking innovation that his New York counterpart, Louis Comfort Tiffany, traveled to Nancy to visit his factory. The fascinating Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy is dedicated to his work and that of his associates (36-38, rue du Sergent Blandan, 33-3-8340-1486; www.nancy.fr). In this appropriately Art Nouveau mansion, each room — parlor, music room, dining room, bedrooms, office — is fitted out in period furniture, stained glass and objets d'art. One highlight: Gallé's “Dawn and Dusk” bed, with an amazingly rendered, if rather bizarre, moth theme.”
You can still buy art nouveau glass in Nancy but it has become pricey. I think I will just look. There are reproductions for less. Nancy is also known for quiche Lorraine. I had some there in 1990.
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