Fantaisies Artistiques

Stroppy distortions, protrusions and inlets, a controlled wriggle. The crystal by brothers Guido (1911 - 1991) and Antonio (1908 - 1958) Bon is a product of Italian skill, made in Belgium. The brothers are part of the Val Saint Lambert glassworks' 200-year quest for innovation. This factory in Seraing, just below Liège, is a world player in exuberant cut and coloured crystal. In contrast, the Fantaisies Artistiques by the Bon brothers from the 1950s appeal to the imagination with colourless, whimsical shapes.

For a long time, Val Saint Lambert knows how to position itself well in the market. It attracts the right technical people, invests in new machines and knows the tastes of its wealthy international clientele. So they excel in Art Nouveau and Art Deco. But after two world wars, the European market has become difficult. Raw materials and labour are scarce. There is also a need in Europe for a new language of form, which is also in line with the American market.

With their entrepreneurial vision, Val Saint Lambert sees opportunities in professionals from Italy. For example, in the well-educated Guido and Antonio from Murano. They came to work at the factory in 1949. Although the Italian group is not treated well, they do get the factory out of a predicament. With their excellent mastery of glassblowing, the brothers manage to create Bon shapes that not only look beautiful, but also require less finishing. This makes production significantly cheaper. No more costly grinding, but quick - and laborious - drawing in hot crystal. Until 1956, they made a series of vases and bowls in this style: the Fantaisies Artistiques.

Little has been recorded in the history books about Guido and Antonio Bon so far. Yet their story is typical of many others. People who left their homeland to build a better life somewhere else, while contributing to the development of industry and culture.