Collectors are a special class of beings. They are exclusive or generous, most of the time totally insatiable, always passionate, sometimes even contagious. If the simple desire of possession or wealth can be a driving force for some, for others a taste for history, the admiration for a creator or a style, the originality of an object category, can engender fascination and envy to the point where it becomes the quest of a lifetime,

This exhibition, prelude to the future Baccarat Perfume Bottle Museum, unveils a minuscule part of the extraordinary collection of George Stam, gentleman collector with a devouring passion for French savoir-faire. This “live collection”, constantly enriched with marvels gleaned throughout the world and from the great perfume houses of today, brings together a collection of remarkable bottles, most of them made of crystal, but also delicate and rare coffrets, cosmetics and a whole collection of promotional and advertising objects.

During the course of its history, French perfumery has gone through many different phases to reach its golden age in the 20th century. This was when technical advancement and an abundance of creativity enabled it to flourish and thrive. But it is most certainly the advent of the couturiers perfumers that represents one of the major evolutions of its history. So we have chosen to put this chapter in the limelight as it illustrates marvelously well the richness of perfume materialized by magnificent bottles in precious cases, together with objects of beauty, fashion accessories and illustrations.

“What does the bottle matter …” said the poet Alfred de Musset.

But the bottle does matter! For it is the true ambassador of any perfume.

This exhibition is a result of teamwork and I want to thank everyone who helped make it happen.

Anne Camilli, General Commissionner

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