These glass pieces were handcrafted in the "La Mailloche" workshop, founded in 1976 by Jean Vallières, one of Quebec's most renowned master glassmakers. Located first in Beauport, then at Place-Royale in Old Quebec, the glassworks welcomed experienced glassblowers who created decorative and utilitarian objects with techniques inspired by the millennial tradition.

Originally a chemist and ceramist, Jean Vallières (1947-2009) became interested in glass art in the mid-1970s and studied with Claude Morin of the Verrerie Le Pontil de Dieulefit in France. Upon his return to Quebec, Vallières acquired an old house in Beauport and founded “La Mailloche”. Jean Vallières’s productions are strongly inspired by French glass craftsmanship: he mainly produces colored utility objects in the mass, his favorite technique being free-method mouth-blowing glass. Throughout his career, Vallières was fully involved in the dissemination and promotion of crafts in Quebec.

In December 2009 Jean Vallières passed away at the age of 62 and the La Mailloche workshop closed its doors for good. The Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec has the honor of receiving all the pieces of glassware with the objective of highlighting the artistic and artisanal creation of the deceased glassmaker by integrating a selection of works in its collections and in its shop.