François-Théodore LEGRAS (1839-1916). François-Théodore Legras spent his childhood in a very small village, surrounded by nature, in the heart of the Darnay forest, one of the most beautiful forests in France. This is likely to be the source of inspiration for his creations, oriented to the poetry of untouched nature, the views of forests and lakes that interspersed the Urshe valley.At the age of 20, he entered a glass factory near his native village as a clerk, where he studied and mastered the profession.
At 24, he leaves his native land to get a job at a glass factory in Plaine Saint-Denis. He is hired as a night clerk, but after half a year he becomes a production manager, and in 1866, at the age of 27, a director of dishes.
Then he builds a new modern factory and a workers′ town, which over the years has turned into an industrial complex with an area of almost 20,000 square meters. As CEO of Legras et Cie, then Verrerie et Cristallerie de Saint-Denis, he takes part in numerous national and international exhibitions, where he is very often awarded. He was also responsible for glass and crystal products at the 1900 World′s Fair in Paris. In 1902, the Legras glassworks had 9 large melting furnaces with 12 crucibles and 8 crucible furnaces for colored glass. It employs glaziers, tailors, butchers, decorators, draftsmen and engravers, that is, 800 people, 1400 with a factory in Pantin. The production includes glassware for pharmacies and chemistry, bottles, tableware in glasses of all colors, some fancy items: flower vases, planters, white or colored glass bowls, plain and decorated. François Théodore Legres appointed Chairman and CEO " Verrerie et Cristallerie de St Denis " which will become Legras et Cie", located on the avenue of Paris in Saint-Denis. The company uses deposits for 22 bis, rue de paradis in Saint-Denis. He made a specialty of Nile green, obtained with acid. Decorations are often surrounded by gold and the shapes are generally simple. In 1909, he handed over the management of his business to his nephew Charles Legrare. Since 1914, production has changed style and was inspired by Art Deco, with a return to simple lines and a certain sobriety. Legras production will run until 1928. "