Crystal palace

PHOTOS: Thomas Deron

French crystal maker Baccarat is marking 170 years of their Harcourt range with a spellbinding exhibition at the former Parisian mansion of Charles and Marie-Laure de Noialles – famous for the glittering balls hosted by the couple.

The exhibition, under the theme “The Ball of the Century”, shows off the intricate history of the range, which has been entrusted to some of the world’s top designers over the years, and is a growing collection of crystal pieces that meet the dining fashions of the day.

Photographer Philippe Jarrigeon, who designed the exhibition with architects Abinal & Ropars, says it’s “a sort of never-ending celebration. It’s as if Monsieur and Madame Harcourt have invited us all to a magical evening of entertainment.”

To get this right, efforts were concentrated on creating theatrical, surrealistic ambiences appealing to all five senses – on the idea of time suspended and on themes evoking music and dancing. On a more practical level, special effects, differences of scale, and tricks of lighting are all used. It’s all about playful reinterpretation, showing off the resolutely contemporary design of Harcourt stemware.

Visitors will be transported on a tour of the iconic stemware, instantly recognisable by its hexagonal foot, triple knop stem and wide, flat-cut sides.

Philippe Starck’s giant crystal chair sets the scene, displaying outlines of the Harcourt glass carved in wood. Starck is no stranger to the brand, having turned the range black in his “Darkside collection” in 2005. And in 2011, Philippe and his daughter Ara also designed a set of draughts with light- and dark-coloured Harcourt champagne flutes used as the pieces.

Guests of the Baccarat exhibition can explore the history of Harcourt as they move through the mansion, where each room is dedicated to a certain theme and feel. The installations show off the stemware that has served some of history’s most powerful figures, including Napoleon III, Pope John-Paul II and French King Louise-Philippe.

The enchanting retrospect will be on display until 28 January 2012. We would love to hear all about it if you’re lucky enough to attend.

More information: www.baccarat.com