Loire Workshops: 100 years of stained glass passion
The Loire Workshops occupy a unique place in the history of 20th- and 21st-century stained glass: with nearly two thousand projects worldwide since their founding in 1948 to the present day, they are among the few workshops recognized as a Living Heritage Company (EPV). What accounts for this success? How have they survived the ups and downs of commissions that are common to any business?
Véronique David, Honorary researcher at the André Chastel Center will attempt to provide some insights through several themes:
The personalities behind the development of the Workshops, notably founder Gabriel Loire, who discovered his vocation for stained glass in 1924.
The organization of the stained glass spaces on their historic property in Lèves, near Chartres.
The incredible range of techniques used, from the most traditional to the most recent technologies, including slab glass, their historic specialty.
The diversity of their activities, both in creation and restoration. The creative aspect is shared between their own works or those in collaboration with prestigious artists such as François Morellet, Jean-Michel Othoniel, François Rouan, Kim en Joong or Udo Zembok.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Admission fee (€7) subject to availability.
Information and reservations are available from the Visitor Services Department at 02 32 30 90 41 or by email.