Various Gatherings: Spring Month of 2019
In the world of ancient artifacts, the Allaire Collection stands out as a remarkable resource for information on glassmaking spanning nearly three millennia. This collection, curated by Carole Allaire and her husband, focuses on pieces made before 1850, with a particular emphasis on glass from the Roman period.
The Allaires' fascination with ancient glass began with a chance encounter with modern studio glass. However, it wasn't long before they found themselves drawn to the intricate beauty and historical significance of ancient Roman glass. Their first acquisition was a two-handed perfume bottle from the 3rd century A.D., discovered in New York.
The Allaire Collection is a treasure trove of glass artifacts, encompassing pieces from various historical periods and regions. From Roman glass to Frankish glass, Medieval glass, Venetian glass, European glass, English glass, Spanish glass, and American glass, the collection offers a comprehensive overview of glassmaking throughout history.
A notable early piece in the collection is the Lentoid Roman Glass jug, also known as a Pilgrim Bottle. This jug, dating to the first to early second century AD, is distinctive for its four-ribbed handle, a rarity compared to the more common three-ribbed handles. This jug, acquired on 18 June 2018 from the Sheikh Saoud Bin Mohamed Ali Althani Foundation in Doha, Qatar, exemplifies the collection’s focus on finely crafted and regionally significant glassware, showcasing origins linked to the Roman Empire.
Over the past 25 years, Carole Allaire and her husband have dedicated themselves to collecting and studying ancient glass. Their dedication is evident in the extensive collection they have amassed, which includes a variety of images, footnotes, articles, and more, all accessible on the collection's website, ancientglass.wordpress.com.
The Allaire Collection serves as a testament to the enduring beauty and historical importance of ancient glass. Its comprehensive scope and meticulous curation make it an invaluable resource for scholars, collectors, and anyone with an interest in ancient history.
The Allaires, having started with a fascination for modern studio glass, later delved into the intricate beauty and historical significance of ancient Roman glass, creating a home for their collection – the Allaire Collection. This home-and-garden of ancient glass artifacts spans various historical periods, including pieces from the Roman period, and encompasses different regions, reflecting their lifestyle encompassing history, art, and collecting.
