Victoire
Glassmaking was changed drastically by processes that utilized reproduction. What was once a one-of-a-kind object started to be accessible to the masses at the turn of the twentieth-century.
In this episode of Junior Curator Academy Sophie and David explore the work and life of glass artist René Lalique. Lalique altered the glassmaking industry forever with his entrepreneurial use of industrial equipment to create fine art pieces, such as the radiator cap, Victoire. The discussion of this piece creates a gateway to examine the history of car making and the way that it is shifting in a world on the brink of climate change.
Junior Curator Assignment
PERSONAL MASCOT INSPIRED BY RADIATOR CAPS
Radiator caps were made as both decorative and functional element to cars in the 1920s. Today these functional items have morphed into purely decorative elements for luxury cars. In many cases, they were designed to commemorate something momentous, like the Victory piece marking the 10 year anniversary of ending World War I. The symbol of the face and the wings extending from it signify motion. Its important to think about what symbolism you can imbue into your hood ornament. Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar all have iconic ornaments. Let’s try creating one of our own.
The materials you will need are a pen or pencil, sketch paper, and Aluminum foil.
Start by writing down all of the attributes that you want your hood ornament to have on a piece of paper. Make a simple sketch of this ornament from different angles. (Head on, Side view. ¾ view). Take the foil and begin to shape and sculpt it into the desired form.
Email your completed assignment to juniorcurator@museumofglass.org and you will receive a sticker from Museum of Glass to work on achieving Junior Curator status! .
Key Terms
Parents and teachers are urged to use this glossary in conjunction with the episode, Victoire, to impart lessons that follow Washington State education standards. Watch and listen with your Junior Curator scholar and help them to identify these words during the show.
Additional Activities and Art Projects
Earn a sticker for each project you complete and work on achieving Junior Curator Status!
Art Deco in Your World
Find examples of Art Deco in your home and local neighborhood.
Pressed mold making
Learn how to use negative molds to create a positive object.
Mapping Climate Change
Map weather patterns in an effort to understand how the world has transformed over time and how this can help predict future effects of climate change.