Earlier this year a new addition was made to the luxury shopping offered by the legendary Burlington Arcade – the Lalique Art Gallery.
Lovers of their fine crystal glassware are now able to add exclusive art pieces by the renowned French maker to their collection by heading to a dedicated gallery space just a few steps from their regular retail location.
The newest works on display draw inspiration from the world of legendary Belgian artist René Magritte, intended to commemorate what would have been his 125th birthday.
Magritte’s works are fairly recognisable, particularly his men in bowler hats (there’s one on display in the bar that bears his name within The Beaumont hotel, just up the road) and it is those iconic pieces which are celebrated in this collection.
Le Bouchon d’Épouvante (“The Horror Cork”) is a rendition of that famous headwear in crystal which will elevate any space it graces. Arguably Magritte’s most famous work is La Trahison des Images (“The Treachery of Images”) – the extremely realistic depiction of a pipe is accompanied by the inscription Ceci n’est pas une pipe (“This is not a pipe”) and has been faithfully recreated by the artisans of Lalique.
In addition to the full Magritte collection, the space contains a selection of highlights from past collaborations with contemporary artists, including pieces crafted alongside Damian Hirst and some incredible renditions of Nic Fiddian-Green’s legendary Still Water – the giant, thirsty horse which recently moved from Marble Arch to the bottom of Park Lane.
All are available to buy, and each piece demonstrates the breathtaking skill of the craftspeople helping to keep Lalique at the forefront of the luxury homeware market.
The Lalique Art Gallery in London is the first of its kind in the world. It will continue to offer art-inspired ornaments to collectors into the future, but this incredible Magritte display is for a limited time only.
Head along before the end of January 2024 to discover some incredible objects, and maybe even pick up the next conversation piece for your dining room at home.
Even if you just go to spend a couple of hours one afternoon admiring beautiful things, this exhibition is well worth your time.
The Lalique Art Gallery is at 12-13 Burlington Arcade. lalique.com
