Duralex Picardie: the glass for everyday

These little cafe glasses were nearly the things of history that we quickly forget but are never truly replaced. So it came with much delight when I discovered that these everyday classics were back in production and available once more to the consumer.

I quickly snapped up two boxes and stored one away for the inevitable breakages that such an everyday glass will endure. Inspired by a friend who uses these as table water and wine glasses, I wanted a batch of my own for that casual entertaining staple. They do not disappoint.

Designed in 1927 and produced since 1945 using Saint-Gobain’s patented glass tempering method. Described as “the ultimate drinking vessel created by man” the Picardie is equally at home filled with iced pastis or tannic vin-de-table in the cafés and bistrots of France, water in countless school canteens, juice on the worlds breakfast tables, or hot black Afghan tea in the chaikhana of the Hindu Kush. Once again manufactured (despite several brushes with extinction) by Duralex International at La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin in the heart of France.

Even my everyday classic hero, Jonathan Glancey uses these glasses for all sorts around the house. And the ever-so-stylish shop Objects of Use sell these in clear and marine blue colour. I actually quite like the marine blue, but I’m a classics whore and so the clear stand proudly on my shelves to be greeted by visitors.