BIÖT GLASS

Glorious Biöt glass is an absolute favourite for us at the Boule-in! 

OK we do have a bit of a bias towards this gorgeous hand blown bubble-glass, our village of Cotignac being a relatively close neighbour to Biöt town which is a delightfully picturesque destination filled with artisanal studios, delicious restaurants and of course the famous Biöt factory itself. Always worth a detour when we’re brocanting around the Côte d’Azure, we try wherever possible to visit the factory in order to watch first hand the incredible technique & artistry of pieces being created, as well as popping into the attached museum which is filled with awe inspiringly beautiful pieces by the great master glassmakers.

Biot town has been known for it’s glassmaking & ceramic traditions since C16 but it wasn’t made famous until 1950’s when ceramist Éloi Monod began exploring glazes and glass techniques to transform bubble ‘flaws' into aesthetic elements by intentionally trapping the bubbles! As opposed to the 'controlled bubble' technique already applied within glassmaking, Monod sprinkled bicarbonate of soda between two layers of hot molten glass - and then blew! As this mixture vaporises a soufleé of tiny little carbon dioxide bubbles is left, meaning each creation is a unique piece of Biöt glass magic! 

Initially we started collecting Biöt glass being attracted to it’s glorious range of colours and the way it catches the Provençale sunlight. Now we can add that after years of parties (!) we also love it’s weight and robust nature, it’s functionality and it’s decorative qualities. You’ll find it mixed and enjoyed throughout our homes, both in Provence and Suffolk...it looks ever so pretty in our UK sunshine too!!