Vitralux Bradtke — Six Generations of Master Glaziers in Luxembourg since 1865
Since 1865 the Bradtke family has passed the master glazier's trade from father to son, and is now in its sixth generation. What began at the Feschmaart in Luxembourg City is today one of the most complete glazing firms in the country, based in Howald since 1983.
Vitralux Bradtke today
Master glaziers, from father to son for six generations
The Bradtke story goes back to 1865, when master glazier Auguste Bradtke, originally from Niederanven, opened his shop on the "Feschmaart" — the fish market — in the building still known today as the "Gëlle Klack".
What began as a craftsman's workshop in the heart of the Ville Haute has become, six generations later, one of the most complete and best-equipped glazing firms in Luxembourg and the Greater Region — see all our glazing and mirror services and our reference projects in Luxembourg.
160 years of history — from 1865 to today
Eight dates that trace how a glazing craft unique in Luxembourg was handed on, from the Feschmaart to the Howald site.
Auguste Bradtke opens his first shop
Auguste Bradtke, originally from Niederanven, opens his glazier's shop on the "Feschmaart" (the fish market), in the building known as the "Gëlle Klack". Every day he drives his horse and cart between the workshop in Niederanven and the shop in town.
Nicolas and Jacques Bradtke take over
On Auguste's death, his sons Nicolas and Jacques carry the business on. Nicolas sets up at the Place de Paris, on the corner of Rue Zithe and Rue d'Anvers, and adds a picture-framing service to the glazing and mirror work. Jacques runs a parallel firm in the Ville Haute, at the "Roude Petz" on the Grand-Rue.
Charles Bradtke opens the Avenue de la Gare shop
Nicolas's son Charles takes over between the wars. He opens a new shop on the Avenue de la Gare with an art gallery attached, and sets up a mirror manufactory on Rue de Strasbourg. The firm now has premises across the capital.
Nicolas and Paul get the business going again
After the Second World War, Charles's sons — Nicolas and Paul — take the rebuilding in hand, running three production and retail sites: Place de Paris, Avenue de la Gare and Rue de Strasbourg.
The Howald site opens
Charles and Pol, Nicolas's sons, find that being spread across several sites is holding productivity back. In early 1983 they open the present site in Howald, bringing production, a permanent showroom and the framing workshop together under one roof.
Charles Bradtke takes the helm
Since Pol stepped back from the business in 1999, Charles Bradtke, the second of that name, has run the company, keeping the family tradition alive while modernising the plant.
Michel Bradtke — sixth generation
Since 2013 the company has been led by Michel Bradtke, Charles's son and the sixth generation of the family. He continues to broaden the range of services and the production capacity.
Marvin Bradtke founds the Vitrophy division
Marvin Bradtke, Michel's son, joins the company by setting up the Vitrophy division, specialising in trophies, medals and engraved objects in glass and acrylic.
The move to Contern
Vitralux Bradtke leaves its 1,200 m² workshop in Howald for a new 1,500 m² building in Contern: more space, modern equipment and a rethought workshop and showroom, to look after its Luxembourg clients better still.
160 years in pictures — the Bradtke family archives
Portraits of the generations of master glaziers, workshops of the day, shopfronts and old advertisements: a few pieces from our family archives, from the Feschmaart to the Avenue de la Gare.
Production capacity without equal in Luxembourg
With over 1,500 m² of floor space and more than 10,000 m² of glass of every kind in stock, Vitralux Bradtke has production capacity without equal in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. Equipped with an automated cutting table for float and laminated glass, and with its own grinding and polishing shop, our workshop can handle every kind of glass and practically every size.
Because we control the whole chain — from cutting through UV bonding and grinding to the final finish — quality stays consistent and we react faster than any reseller could. Every order is made to measure in our Howald workshop, to the millimetre, including made-to-measure mirrors and glass processing and finishing.
Our equipment
| Automated cutting table | Float and laminated glass — any size, up to large formats |
|---|---|
| Grinding and polishing shop | Straight, rounded and bevelled edges — flat and non-flat glass |
| Permanent stock | Over 10,000 m²: float, laminated, wired, patterned, tinted, satin — available immediately |
| Workshop floor space | Over 1,500 m² in Howald, Luxembourg |
What we do in the workshop
- Float, patterned and wired glass cut on the spot.
- Laminated glass cut to size, in every thickness.
- Cutting non-flat glass: bottles, vases, glass objects.
- Edge grinding and polishing: straight, rounded, bevelled.
- Grinding and polishing round pieces, models and non-flat glass: bottles, vases, glass objects.
- Drilling holes in flat and non-flat glass.
- UV bonding of glass to glass or metal to glass.
- Acid etching and sandblasting on glass.
The values that have guided Vitralux for six generations
Handing down
Six generations of master glaziers. The craft has passed from father to son for 160 years.
Precision
Every piece is cut and shaped to the millimetre in our own workshop. Nothing is subcontracted.
Innovation
From historic techniques (cloister diamond quarries, lead came) to modern technology (UV bonding, Fineo, SGP).
Everything in one place
From advice to installation, from 24/7 call-outs to heritage restoration: all under one roof.
Rooted in Luxembourg
Luxembourgish since 1865. Our clients, our suppliers, our teams: all in Luxembourg.
Several languages
Our team will look after you in French, Luxembourgish and German.
Our showroom in Howald
Come and see our mirrors, shower screens and balustrades on display. Our team will look after you in French, Luxembourgish and German.
- Address50 Rue des Bruyères, L-1274 Howald, Luxembourg
- Opening hoursMonday – Friday: 8:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 17:00
- Telephone(+352) 49 42 52 1
- Emailinfo@vitralux.lu
Get to know Vitralux
160 years of expertise behind your project
Our team will look after you in French, Luxembourgish and German. A free quote for any project in glass.