Glassmaking techniques have been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

In September 2024, glass makers will celebrate this achievement through a public photo exhibition depicting glassmaking techniques, displayed on the railings of the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. 

Glassmaking techniques refer to handcrafted glass products and traditional practices for producing glass and crystal. They cover the creation of the material, hot glass forming techniques such as glass-blowing or the use of a blowtorch, and lastly, cutting and cold-working decoration.

I have been lucky enough to visit the fascinating Lalique factory and museum in Alsace and witnessed for myself the feat of dexterity that goes into producing glass and crystal pieces – it can involve up to twenty skilled crafts. Recognising these skills is key to ensuring their long-term survival

(image shows a Languedoc vase being hand sanded at the Lalique factory)

Step inside Lalique’s fascinating factory here