La Meduse - Our Story
A pioneering company in the Magdalen Islands cultural sector, La Méduse was founded by François Turbide, then a young glassblower. In 1985, when it opened, La Méduse was located behind François Turbide's house. It was installed there for almost 20 years. On the spot, François was already blowing the glass in front of visitors, assisted by different glassmakers over the years.
In 2001, with the increase in tourism and the increase in ridership, La Méduse was getting a little tight behind François Turbide's house. The company then chose to relocate to a heritage building in the village of Havre-aux-Maisons, not far from François' workshop.
In 2005, after major renovations to the newly bought building, La meduse moved to the place it currently occupies. To move forward with this relocation project, François Turbide joined other key partners: Sophie Bourgeois, young apprentice glassblower and Jeannine Richard, assistant in accounting and administration. This trio carried the company for several years, until Catherine Chevrier-Turbide, the daughter of François Turbide, also joined the company.
By a combination of circumstances, Catherine Chevrier-Turbide, after returning to the Islands, decided to enter La Méduse in 2013, replacing Jeanine Richard. Without thinking further, she then wanted to see if she would find her place there ... she is still there and has taken root!
Now the company is celebrating its 35th birthday and Catherine Chevrier-Turbide and Sophie Bourgeois have officially taken over the business together! François Turbide, although retired, is still available to lend a hand in the business and can now create freely.
Catherine and Sophie have many development projects for the company and are full of energy for the future. After working for several years together in the company, they have developed new avenues for blown glass and they continue to invest themselves as a team and with pleasure in this great creative adventure! They form a complementary, efficient and dynamic duo.
Happy birthday and long life at La Méduse blown glass !!!