Manage, Verreries de Scailmont, Henri Heemskerk, circa 1927-1930
Topaz coloured vase, blown, sandblasted
(Inv. 93.3685)
Photo : Guy Focant

P is for… PARADOX

A solid matter that becomes extraordinarily malleable when put to the flame and whose molecular structure resembles that of liquid…

The magic material of amulets and crystal balls, and yet something so banal and everyday…

Devilish material that the mediaeval church banished from its tombs at the same time as it exalted stained glass for the greater glory of God…

A material that lends itself to all our moods, vases, windows, mosaics, threads, lenses, sculptures and which breaks the instant we clash with it…