Advancing the Heritage of Armenians in Jewellery
Calouste Gulbenkian and René Lalique: A Golden Friendship
The following article, by art historian and jewellery designer Philippe Bouasse, was published in the March issue of AJA International Magazine. It was provided by AJF as part of its historical research program. Lalique's friendship with the Armenian philanthropist has been a source of inspiration for both the artist and the legendary art collector.
"Throughout the 50 years of our friendship, René Lalique's talent never ceased to amaze me ... I feel privileged to own what is arguably the largest collection of his pieces." When the Armenian art collector Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian's treasure trove of Lalique's jewellery, art and glassware was unveiled, it took the art world by storm. Despite today's ongoing infatuation with Art Nouveau, the tale of the two men's friendship and mutual admiration remains under explored.