Toughest glass on the planet

The Picardie tumbler is probably the most imitated glass on the planet, but only the real deal survives the drop test. Why? The glass is tempered for extra toughness, just like car windscreens and shower doors. No wonder the advertising claim in the 1950s was that the tumblers could be ‘used as hammers’.

With over 70 years of history to its name, the Picardie nestles in the cupboards of designistas, cafés, and Afghan tribesmen. The tumbler is as popular as ever: perfectly stackable, comfortably curved, and almost unbreakable. That’s right, almost. So you might not want to do a drop test with your vintage design classic. It is a collector’s item after all.