Jean-Claude Novaro

Born on 18 october 1943 in antibes and died on 30 december 2014 in monaco, jean-claude novaro was self-taught. At the age of 14, he joined the verrerie de biot under éloi monod, and went on to become a master glassmaker and workshop manager in his early 20s. In 1977, he founded his own workshop in biot, on his family’s land. A master glassmaker of exceptional talent, he developed unique techniques, including the use of precious metal inclusions, gold leaf, enamels, and innovative metallisations. In 1991, he invented luminescent glass (luminescences), which absorbs light and then emits it in the dark. His creations—vases, lamps, bottles, prestigious trophies, and monumental works (nice airport)—have earned him comparisons with the great masters of glass such as gallé, daum and lalique. In 2003, he was awarded the title of chevalier des arts et des lettres.

His pieces feature in collections and museums worldwide (meisenthal, corning musuem of glass in new york, boca raton, liège, charleroi, ebeltof…). He has given over 120 demonstrations of his art around the world and is nicknamed ‘the king of glass’. Renowned for his tireless technical curiosity, he has redefined contemporary glass art and left a lasting legacy.