Georges Briard

Born, Jascha Brojdo, in Russia in 1917, the man now known as Georges Briard became famous for his “designed and signed” tablewares. He is said to always have had an eye for design. In 1937, at the age of 20 he moved to the United States and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago where he earned his MFA. While there he met a man named Max Wille who would later aid in the success of the Georges Briard designs. Before his commercial success he served in the United States Military during World War II. For a short time he worked as German interpreter.

After being discharged from military Brojdo began working for Wille and began selling painted metal trays to much success. Brojdo was also a painted and wanted to keep his given name for his paintings, what he called his “more important work.” Wille came up with the pseudonym Georges Briard, Georges “with an ‘s’ to make is sound very French.” Today Brojdo is referred to as Briard, though he never officially changed his name.

Briard began purchasing blank glassware from companies like Libbey and Anchor Hocking, decorating and signing them. Eventually, he realized he could license is name to companies who would produce his wares which he could then sell to retailers.

He is most well known for his signature dishware and glassware - everything from cups and plates to gold plated serving dishes. Most famous for dishware and glassware, his signature collection was stocked at noted department stores, such as Neiman Marcus and Bonwit Teller. Briard was a noted, award-winning designer in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. He died on July 30, 2005.