Emaux de Albertini – Authentic French Glass Mosaic from Paris
Discover the exceptional Emaux de Albertini, high-quality glass mosaic tiles produced using a traditional smalti recipe with Murano origins. Since 1925, La Verrerie Albertini has combined Italian craftsmanship with French artisanal tradition. These plaquettes de mosaïque are entirely hand-pressed, resulting in a unique irregular surface with intense, deep colors. Available as individual colors or in sets of five coordinated colors – the perfect material for monumental art, large-scale murals, floor insets, and architectural projects.
The History of Albertini
The history of Société ALBERTINI & Cie, also known as La Verrerie Albertini, begins in 1925 near Paris. Founder Jules Albertini was a glass artist from Murano, Italy – the historic center of artistic glass in Europe. This Franco-Italian connection explains the strict adherence to the traditional smalti recipe and positions the firm as a rare transmitter of centuries-old Venetian glass techniques to France.
La Verrerie Albertini holds a unique position in the French glass industry as the only artisanal and family-run company specializing in the production of both glass slabs (dalles de verre) and mosaic tiles (plaquettes de mosaïque). This dual specialization indicates exceptional mastery of glass technology.
From the early years, Albertini played a role in large-scale architecture. Jules Albertini worked until 1929 with glass artist Jean Gaudin. During this period, Albertini supplied among other things 2000 m² of mosaic for the Basilica of Lisieux. This early involvement in monumental Art Deco and modernist projects gives their materials a historical cachet. The company is currently based in Montigny lès Cormeilles in the Val-d'Oise.
What are Emaux de Albertini?
The term Emaux (enamels) is crucial, as it describes the essential nature of the material: an opaque glass-like paste. Unlike regular commercial mosaic glass, which is often transparent and cast in thin tiles, smalti is characterized by its thickness, glossy but irregular surface, and rich, deep coloring.
This opacity and intense color are achieved by adding heavy metal oxides to the glass formula. The traditional smalti process has historically focused on creating deep, stable colors that remain vividly reflective in interior spaces, regardless of backlighting. This makes the material highly suitable for monumental art and church decorations, where color purity and light reflection are essential.
The Artisanal Production Process
The production of Emaux de Albertini is a completely manual and artisanal process that creates the unique irregular texture of the product:
1. Raw Materials and Melting
Production begins with the precise mixing of raw materials, including silica (sand), fluxes, stabilizers, and metal oxides for coloring. The molten glass is gathered from crucibles made of refractory clay at very high temperatures. The use of refractory clay is essential to guarantee the purity of the added metal oxides and the stability of the color.
2. Manual Pressing (Gathering & Moulding)
The paraison (mass of molten glass) is gathered with a ladle from the crucible and transported to the hand press (presse à bras). By applying the hand press, the molten mass is shaped into a plaquette. This manual pressing creates the characteristic irregular and glossy surface of the émaux, ensuring a lively and dynamic light reflection.
3. Shaping and Marking
During forming, the slab is marked, usually into four parts, to facilitate later cutting and processing by the artist.
4. Annealing (Controlled Cooling)
After rapid cooling on a marble slab, the pieces are transferred to the annealing kiln. The annealing process, where the glass is cooled in a controlled manner, is vital to remove internal stresses. A properly executed annealing process is essential for the durability of the glass and the purity of the cutting.
Features of Emaux de Albertini
Large Plaquettes for Artistic Control
Unlike pre-cut tesserae, Albertini émaux are delivered as substantial 8x8cm plaquettes. This gives mosaic artists the freedom to fully customize tesserae to their artistic vision, including irregular shapes and filati (smalti threads).
Robust Thickness for Durability
With a thickness of 5-6mm these plaquettes are significantly thicker than standard mosaic tiles. This makes them suitable for floor inlays, high-quality wear, and architectural applications where structural integrity is essential.
Hand-Pressed Irregular Surface
The manual pressing process creates a unique, irregular surface on each plaquette. This texture ensures a lively interaction with ambient light – no two pieces are the same.
Wide Color Spectrum
Although classic smalti is strictly opaque, Albertini offers a wide spectrum: Opaque, Semi-Transparent, and Transparent variants. The color range is extensive and even includes rare variants such as gold (Or), which requires a high level of glass mastery.
Dimensions and Specifications
Emaux de Albertini are delivered as plaquettes in the following format:
- Tile size: 8x8cm (3x3 inch)
- Tile thickness: 5-6mm (¼ inch)
- Shape: hand-pressed square tiles, marked in 4 parts
- Material: opaque to semi-transparent glass, colored with metal oxides
- Weight: 14 tiles = 1kg (2.2 lbs)
- Coverage per m²: 150 tiles
- Coverage per 30.5x30.5cm (1 sq ft): approximately 14 tiles
- Sales: individual colors or sets of 5 coordinated colors
Note: The tiles are intended to be cut by the mosaic artist. The stated coverage is theoretical; in practice, coverage varies depending on how small you cut the tesserae and how much cutting waste you have.
Working with Emaux de Albertini
Cutting and Tools
Due to the density and hardness of the glass, cutting Emaux de Albertini requires specific techniques, similar to working with stained glass:
For Precise, Straight Cuts
For achieving precise and straight cuts needed for architectural patterns, we recommend a oil-filled glass cutter (oil-filled cutter) combined with a running plier to neatly break the glass along the scored line. This is the best method for precision work.
For Geometric Shapes
To create geometric shapes, you can use a score and snap nipper. This method is faster and effective for standard mosaic work.
For Artistic, Irregular Shapes
When the focus is on artistic design and creating irregular tesserae, the tile can also be cut with a wheeled nipper.
Smalti Chutes available: In addition to the full tiles, "Smalti Chutes" (off-cuts or remnants) are also available. These pieces, originating from regular production, are valuable for artists who want to integrate a rougher, organic texture or accidental color transitions into their work.
Safety
- Always wear safety glasses when cutting – glass shards can fly in all directions
- Work on a stable surface
- Use the right tools for the type of glass
- Keep your workspace free of loose glass pieces
Adhesive and Substrate
Your choice of adhesive depends on your application:
- Permanent architectural installations (floors, walls, bathrooms): use suitable mosaic mortar or thinset for glass
- Artistic panels: PVA glue or silicone adhesive work well, depending on the substrate
- Monumental projects: consult a specialist for the right mortar for large architectural installations
Applications of Emaux de Albertini
The robust dimensions and artisanal texture of Emaux de Albertini make them suitable for a wide range of projects with high demands on durability and aesthetics:
- Large-scale murals: monumental artworks and murals
- Floor inserts: decorative floor accents with high wear
- Bathrooms and pools: friezes and decorative panels in wet areas
- Religious and iconographic art: churches, chapels, spiritual spaces
- Architectural mosaics: facades, stairs, entrances
- Restorations: 20th-century architectural mosaics, Art Deco projects
- Contemporary design: unique and vibrant designs with historical authenticity
Maintenance and Durability
Emaux de Albertini are built to last for generations. The colors are baked into the glass and will not fade. The robust thickness of 5-6mm provides the necessary structural integrity to withstand wear.
Maintenance:
- Suitable for wet areas: ideal for bathrooms and fountains
- Cleaning: use a soft cloth with neutral soap and water
- Avoid: aggressive cleaning agents or acids
- Durable: suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Batch Differences and Color Consistency
Important: Handcrafted Variations
Due to the manual production process, color differences between batches can occur. Residues from previous melting processes in the crucibles can result in unique, modeled color transitions – this is not a defect but an artistic added value of handcrafted glass.
Advice:
- Order enough material at once for color consistency
- Mix pieces from different batches for subtle transitions
- Store leftover material well labeled for future expansions
- For restorations: work with color samples to find the best match
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Albertini and Italian smalti?
Albertini émaux are produced according to the authentic Murano recipe, but in France. The unique aspect is that they are delivered as large 8x8cm plaquettes instead of pre-cut tesserae. This gives artists maximum control. The thickness of 5-6mm also makes them suitable for applications with heavy wear.
Why are the plaquettes so large?
The large plaquettes are specifically designed for professional mosaic artists who require full artistic control over composition and andamento. You can cut them into any desired shape and size, including irregular pieces or filati (smalti threads) for traditional Byzantine techniques.
Which tools do I need?
For precise, straight cuts, you need a glass cutter and running pliers. For artistic, irregular shapes, you can use nippers. Don't forget to wear safety goggles!
Can I use Albertini émaux for floors?
Yes! The thickness of 5-6mm makes Albertini émaux very suitable for floor inlays and applications with heavy wear. Be sure to use appropriate floor mortar and ensure correct installation.
Are gold variants available?
Yes, Albertini even produces rare gold (Or) variants, which require a high level of glass mastery. The color range also includes opaque, semi-transparent, and transparent variants.
What are Smalti Chutes?
Smalti Chutes are leftover pieces or off-cuts from regular production. These are valuable for artists who want to integrate a rougher, organic texture or accidental color transitions into their work – often at a more attractive price.
Suitable for restorations?
Absolutely! The historical relevance of Albertini (since 1925, Art Déco projects) and the ability to match colors precisely make this material invaluable for the restoration of 20th-century architectural mosaics.
The Franco-Italian Heritage
What truly makes Emaux de Albertini special is the rare fusion of Murano glass traditions with a unique French, artisanal production heritage. The Albertini family has merged these two crafts for nearly a century into a product that inspires both artists and architects.
As the only artisanal family business in France producing both dalles de verre and mosaic tiles, Albertini demonstrates exceptional mastery of glass technology. The expertise in creating structurally strong, color-stable architectural glass panels guarantees superior chemical and physical stability for the smaller smalti products.
From the monumental 2000 m² for the Basilica of Lisieux in 1929 to contemporary artistic projects: Albertini émaux carry a heritage of excellence that can stand the test of time.
Ready for Professional Mosaic Work?
Emaux de Albertini are primarily intended for the mosaicist who requires full artistic control and is willing to work with specialized glass cutting tools. For projects demanding historical authenticity, superior wear resistance, and a rich, vibrant texture, Emaux de Albertini offer an unparalleled artisanal material.
Start with a few tiles to experience how the hand-pressed surface catches the light. Experiment with different cutting methods and discover the artistic freedom that 8x8cm tiles offer. Invest in good glass cutting tools and safety glasses.
Emaux de Albertini represent a unique fusion of Murano tradition and French craftsmanship – a perfect choice for mosaic artists seeking a material that lasts for centuries.