Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
For almost 200 years, Val Saint Lambert of Seraing, Belgium, has produced some of the most elegant and prestigious works of crystal and glass. Holding the distinction of being the world’s only Belgian glassworks, Val Saint Lambert creates exquisite items including ashtrays, serveware, vases and sculptures.
Founded by chemist François Kemlin and engineer Auguste Lelièvre, the company opened its first glassworks in 1826. Its quality manufacturing of heavy-lead crystal and the expert craftsmanship of its wares quickly led to the company’s popularity.
In 1894, Val Saint Lambert exhibited its geometric-cut crystal at the World’s Fair in Antwerp, Belgium. The central piece was “le Vase des Neuf Provinces,” or “The Vase of the Nine Provinces.” Under the direction of French glassmaker Léon Ledru, it took 30 artisans over 2,000 hours to fashion it from 85 individually crafted pieces. The exposure led to Val Saint Lambert becoming the primary crystal used by the Tsars of Russia and the company’s pieces being sold internationally.
That same year, the company crafted two immense crystal chandeliers for the Maharaja of Gwalior to hang in his palace in India. Weighing almost five tons each and measuring over 42 feet high, they were the largest crystal chandeliers in the world at the time.
The company closed its doors for the duration of World War I but soon reopened. By 1926, it had over 5,000 employees and had a growing demand for its pieces made in the Art Deco style.
During World War II, bombing from German and Allied forces destroyed the main glassworks facility. The company rebuilt, but by 1950, crystal was becoming more of a household item and less of a luxury good.
In the subsequent decades, Val Saint Lambert collaborated with notable names to expand its offerings with sophisticated furniture, including work with Philippe Starck and Frans Van Praet. In 1992, Van Praet designed the famed Sevilla chair for Val Saint Lambert, a piece highly prized by collectors and designers.
In 2014, Belgian manufacturer Jacques Somville took over Val Saint Lambert. In 2018, Belgian entrepreneur George Arthur Forrest acquired the majority of the company. Val Saint Lambert continues to make some of the finest glass and crystal wares in the world.
Find Val Saint Lambert lighting, seating and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
20th Century Regency Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Brass
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Bronze
1890s English Antique Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Bronze, Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Silver, Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Empire Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
1980s American Belle Époque Vintage Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Brass
1970s North American Vintage Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Metal
20th Century Hollywood Regency Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Iron
Late 19th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Antique Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Brass
Early 2000s Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Belgian Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Val Saint Lambert Lanterns
Brass