Jacques Grange Collectionneur Extraordinaire!

L’ane de Pompadour desk in patinated bronze, brass and leather by Francois-Xavier Lalanne. The model was created in 1973 and this example in 2001. The original model was made for the de Noailles family whose residence, L’Ermitage de Pompadour was built for Madame de Pompadour by Louis XV in 1753. Hence the wonderful name for the piece!  Sold €729,000 with an estimate of €400,000-600,000.

The design sale of the season in Paris took place this week and was a huge success. Jacques Grange, the renowned interior designer and collector put some of his fabulous collection of art and design up for auction at Sotheby’s. For the last thirty years, Grange has lived in the beautiful and historic appartment in Palais Royal which was once Colette’s and his collection has slowly developed over 40 years. And this is what hits the viewer – the sense of a truly personal collection with Grange’s wonderfully eclectic taste clear in every piece, and in the collection as a whole.

Having completed his studies at Ecoles Boulle and Camondo in Paris, Grange worked with the master antiquarian and decorator, Henri Samuel, before setting out on his own. He went on to work on the residences of many well known clients, among which were Pierre Bergé, Yves Saint Laurent, Princess Caroline of Hanover, Paloma Picasso and Francis Ford Coppola and his daughter Sophia.

 170 lots out of 177 found buyers, with very strong prices. There was a lot of buzz around the sale, the collection having toured Hong Kong, London and New York before returning to Paris.

All sale results listed below are Hammer Price plus Buyer’s Commission.

 

Two Sheep in patinated aluminium, plywood and wool, 1969, by François-Xavier Lalanne; ‘Beautiful, pale blue with 2 circles in the middle like glasses, its a lovely one’, 2001 by Damien Hirst.  The sheep sold for €1,569,000 (estimate €500,000-700,000); the Hirst achieved €945,000 with an estimate of €350,000-500,000.                                            

 

Whimsical Marble bird chairs, 1974 by François-Xavier Lalanne. The chairs were sold separately. The large chair sold for €345,000 (estimate €80,000-120,000. The smaller chair sold at €237,000 with an estimate of €50,000-70,000. 

 

Beautiful pair of gilt bronze chairs, 1998 by Claude Lalanne. The pair sold for €187,500 (estimate €60,000-80,000)

 

Small patinated bronze Butterfly armchair, 1999, by Claude Lalanne. Sold at €112,500 (estimate €50,000-70,000)

 

Exquisite pair of ‘Ambassador’ chairs in wild cherry wood, 1955 by Jean Royere; Low ‘Cloud’ table in stainless steel and plexiglass by Guy de Rougemont (model created in 1972, this example 2006); ‘Unghiate’ artwork (gesso elements on four sheets mounted on panel) 2004 by Giuseppe Penone. The Royere chairs sold at €345,000 (estimate €80,000-120,000); Guy de Rougemont’s low table went for €150,000 (estimate €30,000-50,000); the Penone sold at €100,000 (estimate €40,000-60,000)

 

‘Billet’ armchair in ebonised beech wood, c1926-27 by Gerit Rietveld; ‘Untitled’ anodized aluminum and acrylic sheet shelf, 1987 by Donald Judd. The Rietveld chair sold at €60,000 (the lower end of its €60,000-80,000 estimate); the Judd piece achieved €489,000 (at the high end of its €300,000-500,000 estimate)

 

Two Zig Zag chairs, c1934 by Gerrit Rietveld. The pair sold for €23,700 with an estimate of €15,000-20,000. Compared with some of the other high prices achieved far above their estimates, the Rietveld Billet chair sold at its high estimate and the Zig Zags just above their high estimate.

 

Magnificent mahogany chair, 1947, by Alexander Noll. The organic forms and beauty of the wood are breathtaking. Sold at €909,000 (estimate €400,000-600,000)

 

Pair of chenets in patinated bronze and wrought iron, c1929; fireback in iron, 1925, both by Armand Albert Rateau. The elegant chenets sold for €273,000, above their high estimate of €120,000-180,000. Fireback sold at €60,000 (estimate €6,000-8,000)

 

Unique polaroid of ‘Liza Minelli’, c1978, by Andy Warhol. Sold at €32,500 (estimate €8,000-12,000)

 

‘Blue’, vinyl paint on shaped canvas, 1969, by Agostino Bonalum. Sold at €187,500 at the bottom end of its €180,000-250,000 estimate.

 

‘Landscape at Dusk’, 1892, by Charles-Victor Guilloux. Sold €32,500 with an estimate of €5,000-7,000

 

And I’ll end with the magnificent ‘Bar Autruche’ by François-Xavier Lalanne (1967-70) and Daniel Buren’s acrylic and vinyl circle (1991) as the perfect backdrop! The Autruche bar achieved the spectacular price of €6,191,150 with an estimate of €700,000-1,000,000; and the Buren sold at €489,000.

With more than 177 lots, comprising modern and contemporary art, 20th century design, photography, antiquities and 19th century drawings, Grange’s collection is a tour de force of sensibility, erudition, eclecticism and refinement. An inspiration for all collectors.

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Paris Art Week, Fall 2017 (with several Design treasures!)

At FIAC in the design section: The genius of Pierre Paulin’s ‘Elysée’ sofa and armchairs 1972, Jousse Entreprise; low table, 1972, Mobilier Nationale

Paris has been buzzing this week with events and Fairs all over town to mark Art Week. Some very exciting news for design aficionados is that for its 44th edition, the prestigious international art fair FIAC has reintroduced its Design section after an absence of 7 years. As Hélin Serre, director of Downtown gallery says, “It is important to remember that FIAC was one of the first international contemporary art fairs to open a section for selected design galleries in 2004 and since then you’ve seen this concept in fairs around the world”. It makes sense to show strong art and design at a single venue as many collectors are interested in the crossover between the two. Jacques Grange has said “Today, if you have bought great works of art but you do not have great design, this is just a sign that you have not really understood the full picture”.  Of the five galleries exhibiting, Kreo is showing contemporary design while the other four (Jousse, Patrick Seguin, Downtown, Eric Philippe) are specialized in 1950s/60s work. Here are a few of my highlights of the week.

At FIAC, ‘This Mortal Coil’, 1993, in steel by Ron Arad; 6-sided wooden table, c1949 by Charlotte Perriand, Galerie Downtown

 

Design in action: Pierre Jeanneret’s cane office chairs and desk, Chandigarh, c1955 on the Jousse stand at FIAC

 

At FIAC, ‘Squarable lune mirror’ in lacquered wood and tinted mirror, 2014 (Kreo edition of 8 + 2AP + 2 prototypes) by Doshi Leven; two low tables in marquinia black marble and rosso francia red marble, 2015 (Kreo edition of 20 + 2 APs + 2 prototypes) by Pierre Charpin from his Marble and Clown collection; standing light by Gino Sarfatti. Galerie Kreo

 

I fell in love with these beautiful vases from the Indefinite Vases collection by Erik Olovsson of Studio EO on Galerie Kreo’s stand. Each piece is unique with exquisitely handblown glass on richly veined marble.

At FIAC, Small Pyramid model (2016) from Indefinite Vases collection by Erik Olovsson of Studio EO. Unique piece. Marble and handblown glass. Galerie Kreo

 

Large Duo model, by Erik Olovsson of Studio EO, 2016.  Edition Kreo. Unique piece. Galerie Kreo.

 

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Design Elysées has a small but strong selection of galleries this year. 11 galleries are showing, with a few newcomers – among them Galerie Glustin and Galerie Chamagne who have wonderful and stylishly created stands. Also new this year is the Rive Droite stand with pieces from several different Right Bank galleries.

 

Charmingly whimsical and decorative light appliqué in alabaster and bronze (2016) by Glustin, Galerie Glustin

 

Love love love this monumental and imposing 1970s desk (L2m60 x H76cm x P95cm) by Willy Rizzo; black and white work on wall behind (which works perfectly with the desk) is by L’Atlas. Galerie Chamagne

 

Gallery Portuondo’s stand was chic and stylish – look at the wonderful leather handles on the commodes and the 1970s low table which sliding surface panels

 

 

‘Mer Noire’ leather and patinated steel low table, 2016, by Damien Gernay

 

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One of the most spectacular events this week is Aurelie Julien’s private presentation of Martin Szekeley’s work. Set in a stunning property on Place François I, and by appointment, it is an absolute must-see. As you go from room to room you see ever more beautiful pieces. The presentation runs through to 17th November.

 

The MAP table (2013) by Martin Szekeley in anodized aluminum is a sort of meccano structure which shifts its shape for different functions. Each piece can be easily removed and placed according to the owner’s preference. The surface panels are all identical in color and texture but depending on the angle of the viewer and the light they look different (as in the image above) and create a very dynamic aesthetic. Aureliejulien

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Over at Paris Asian Art Fair on Avenue Hoche the design section this year is small but I thought this vase noteworthy. ‘Bone Flower’ in porcelain is a unique piece is by Japanese artist Yuki Nara who comes from a long line of ceramists. Galerie Pierre-Yves Caer

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And last but not least, these gorgeous crystal vases by Atelier Swarovski are utterly covetable.  Each one is composed of three pieces which fit into a base, so that with a set of three you could customize each one by color. I think they’re supremely elegant. Just beautiful!

I leave you at the end of this wonderful week with Doug Aitken’s brilliant and dazzling piece ‘END’ on Regen Projects stand at FIAC

Wishing you all a great weekend and a good week ahead.

 

 

AD Intérieurs, Fall 2017, Paris. ‘L’Art de la Matière’

Entrance hall with chandeliers

The beautiful entrance hall with lights by Mathieu Lustrerie

The Paris art and design scene is hotting up again after the long summer break. The 8th edition of AD Intérieurs opened this week at the magnificent Monnaie de Paris. Ten designers and interior architects presented beautiful rooms working to the theme of ‘The Art of the Material’. Each exhibitor chose a specific material as the base of their project. The variety was fabulous, with each space presenting a very different and individual aesthetic, combining colors and elements to create the different moods and stories. I find the size of AD Intérieurs is perfect – by showcasing just ten designers, it avoids that awful feeling of overwhelm.

Mathieu Lehanneur whole room‘Last known address’ bedroom by Mathieu Lehanneur

There is so much talent among the exhibitors, but definitely my personal favorite is Matthieu Lehanneur’s stand. I’ve long loved his work and his space is spectacular, combining colors, textures and shapes to create a seriously chic bedroom with marble as the chosen focus material. The curve of the sofa at the end of the bed, the pink armchair, the low table in Marquina marble with its surface mimicking the movement of the sea, the witty resin ‘fire’ nestled in the white marble fireplace, the sublime console in Irish marble, the metal chandelier, the pink onyx standing lights, the marble barbells……I could go on! All these created a truly luxurious and original interior.

Mathieu Lehanneur mirror, bedMirror and marble bar bells, Mathieu Lehanneur

Mathieu Lehanneur fireplaceFireplace in white Volakos marble, ‘fire’ in resin, pink onyx standing light, black Marquina marble side table, Mathieu Lehanneur

Mathieu Lehanneur low marble tableLow table in black Marquina marble for Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Mathieu Lehanneur

Mathieu Lehanneur marble consoleConsole in Irish green marble, Mathieu Lehanneur

Mathieu Lehanneur pink onyx standing lightStanding light in pink onyx, Mathieu Lehanneur

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Oitempo spaceOitoemponto’s spectacular ‘boudoir’

Oitoemponto are showing the most gorgeous ‘wallpaper’ which was hand painted, before gold leaf was applied and was finally finished off with a sprinkling of bronze powder. It looks as fabulous as that sounds! They told me they will be showing at de Gournay in rue de Saint-Pères this week, so that is not to be missed! The interior has a calm and elegant 1940s feel and the magic of the room is the mixture of contemporary and older pieces – a Warren Platner chair mingled beautifully with a 1940s commode, Sottsass circular table and of course the contemporary wallpaper. Their chosen material is painted paper.

OitempoBeautiful hand painted wallpaper, Oitoemponto

Oitempo bookshelvesElegant bookshelves, Oitoemponto

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Elliot Barnes

Salon, Elliot Barnes

Sleek and chic, this salon by Elliot Barnes is graceful and polished. Look at these beautiful columns with the glass disks, and the hanging light encased in a leather structure. There was also a beautiful leather clock, which I sadly don’t have a photograph of (you’ve probably guessed that Barnes chose leather as his material).

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Thomas Broog candle holder

Exquisite candle holder in mother of pearl and seashells, Thomas Boog

Thomas Boog’s signature material is rocaille in much of his work, hence his chosen material here. I loved this candle holder in mother of pearl and shell inlay. There was a LED candle on in one of the holders and the lustrous glow it imparted to the mother of pearl behind was sensational. And look at those beautiful 1940s hand-blown birds on either side. Its all in the details.

Thomas BroogCabinet in rocaille, Thomas Boog

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Isabelle Stanislas kitchen:salon with lightingKitchen/salon, Isabelle Stanislas

Working with cement as her focus material, Isabelle Stanislas created this sleek  kitchen/salon with its severe minimalist lines contrasting excitingly with the richness of the gold embroidery on the velvet stools and sofa, and the dramatic lighting creating a perfect backdrop. I love her work and the way she is able to imbue the rather brutal nature of cement with warmth.

Isabelle Stanislas sofaSofa in velvet with gold embroidery on cement frame, Isabelle Stanislas

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Pavillon dining space in wood, RDAI

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Surrealist bedroom

Surrealist bedroom, Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman

This Surrealist bedroom is gloriously over the top and a real feast for the eyes!

Surrealist bedroom - chair

 

AD Intérieurs (Monnaie de Paris, 11 quai de Conti, 75006 Paris) runs through to 20th September.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Revelations 2017 at the Grand Palais

 

Luna lamp in gilded steel with gold leaf by Nicolas Aubagnac

Atys Console, marquetry in white ebony. Luna light in gilded steel with gold leaf.  Nicolas Aubagnac

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The 3rd edition of Revelations opened to the public yesterday in Paris…and it is well worth a visit! With 380 exhibitors showing exciting contemporary work, the focus of the fair is firmly on the dialogue between the designer and the artisan, and the key role craftsmanship plays in creation. The conversations I had with several of the exhibitors were so exciting and informative as they were keen to speak about the process of creation.

Bowl by Egon Munoz

Egon Munoz bowl

Close up bowl Egon Munoz

Hand carved bowls in Chilean Coique and Rauli woods by Egon Munoz Quezada

Chile is the Country of Honour this year at Revelations and the contemporary creations of 24 Chilean craftworkers are exhibited. I loved the woodwork of Egon Munoz Quezada and was lucky enough to speak with him yesterday. Hailing from Pucon in the region of l’Araucanie in Chile, Munoz Quezada explained that he only works with fallen wood and never cuts down trees. He finds many of the trunks with which he works on the beds of the numerous lakes in the area – the water levels decrease during the summer months so he can access them. He then cuts the trunks with an electric saw (the only part of the process using a machine), dries the wood, carves the forms by hand with a spoon-shaped lathe which he has designed and had made, sandpapers them and finishes the pieces with wax and oil. All this work is done by Munoz Quesada and his wife. The work is so incredibly beautiful and organic and the woods are indigenous to the area (Coique and Rauli). I found his approach inspiring and the work spectacular. Definitely an artist to watch!

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'Barbara' ramp by Bernard Pictet

‘Barbara’ stair rail in reinforced glass by Bernard Pictet for Ludwig & Dominique

I also spoke with Atelier Ludwig & Dominique whose pieces are gorgeous. They work with a stable of craftworkers of the highest caliber and stressed the importance of having each artisan at the same top level in order to maintain the homogeneity of each piece. Verrerie Bernard Pictet who collaborates frequently with the company was showing some beautiful pieces. He told me that this ‘Rampe Barbara’ stair rail (image above) was inspired by the work of Barbara Hepworth and this can be clearly seen in the shapes of the reinforced glass. It was technically challenging to maintain a uniform line at the top of each piece of glass but as Pictet said, “the excitement lies in the challenge”.

Hammered glass with gold leaf, straw marguetry. Bernard Pictet verrerie with Ludwig & DominiqueMirror in hammered glass with straw marquetry frame. Glass by Bernard Pictet. Ludwig & Dominique

Ludwig and Dominique were also presenting this beautiful mirror in hammered glass with gold leaf and straw marquetry. The collaboration of the artisans works beautifully as Pictet worked on the glass sections and the straw marquetry was created by an artisan specialized in this field. This creative collaboration is so inspiring.

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Screen by Franck Chartrain

‘Antique Light’ screen in bronze and wrought iron by Franck Chartrain

Close up of screen by Franck Chartrain

Close up of bronze screen by Franck Chartrain

This magnificent screen in wrought iron and bronze was one of the first pieces Franck Chartrain made (2005). Mr Chartrain and his charming wife Angelique were on the stand and happily explained that the feather pattern on the bronze panels and the bronze studs was painstakingly etched by hand, and so of course the piece is unique. I particularly liked the triptych form with the larger central panel – a form not often seen in screen design.  Another piece for my wishlist!

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'Nuages' Van Cleef and Arpels commission. Jean Baptiste Auvray in collaboration with Robert Four Aubusson manufacturer

Close up of 'Nuages' by Jean Baptiste Auvray with Robert Four for Van Cleef and ArpelsAubusson carpet project commissioned by Van Cleef and Arpels, designed by Jean Baptiste Auvray and made by Robert Four

While talking to the lovely people on their stand, I learned that Robert Four is one of the last manufacturers of Aubusson carpets and textiles in France. They work closely with clients to produce pieces to the client’s design and also create their own. This stunning wall of textile clouds was commissioned by Van Cleef and Arpels, designed by Jean Baptiste Auvray and produced by Robert Four. Again, I was so impressed with the collaborative creative process of the designer with the artisan.

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Salagnac Pierre

Bonsai Gingko Biloba tree in bronze and gold leaf by Pierre Salagnac. Charles Paris

Maison Charles, founded in 1908, have their atelier on the outskirts of Paris and have long put great emphasis on the key position of craftworkers and artisans in the creative process. At Revelations they were showing this exquisite Bonsai Gingko Biloba tree in bronze and gold leaf by Pierre Salagnac who is the chef de l’atelier and chef de projet at Charles. The work is breathtaking with painstaking work on each of the 380 leaves. This piece is No 1 of 3 produced.

'Intensité' art carpet by Celine Alexandre‘Intensité’ art carpet in black felt, gold leaf and resin by Celine Alexandre. Charles Paris

The ‘Intensité’ art carpet in black felt, 22 carat gold leaf and resin is by Celine Alexandre. I find it bold, innovative and sensual and adore the idea of walking on gold (which is obviously made possible by the resin finish!). The creators have been involved in textile design for Haute Couture since 1990 and you can see this cross-disciplinary inspiration in these art carpets. Exquisite!

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Close up of screen by Meriguet-Carrere

Close up of screen in wood and gold leaf in the style of Armand-Albert Rateau. Atelier Meriguet-Carrere

Founded in 1960, Mériguet-Carrère are specialists in painting restoration, trompe l’oeil techniques, decorative panels in leather, gold leaf, eglomized glass and many other decorative techniques. In their atelier they have a large stable of expert artisans working side by side and pride themselves on maintaining and continuing with the traditional methods while also incorporating contemporary elements in their commissioned work. They have been involved in the restoration of La Galerie des Glaces at Versailles, and the foyer at Opera Garnier among other projects, and painted the Nymphea wall decoration for Pierre Berger and Yves Saint Laurent’s house in Deauville (supervised by Jacques Grange, it was produced on canvas in their workshop and then mounted in situ). At Revelations they are showing this gorgeous screen in the Art Deco style of Armand-Albert Rateau which they created on wood with hand applied gold leaf. They will work in collaboration with clients to make possible an idea, and also produce their own designs. The people on the stand were fascinating to talk with, and I spent ages with them!

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Here are some more images of pieces at Revelations for you to enjoy. This is really an exceptional fair and I highly recommend a visit if in the vicinity. The fair runs through to 8 May.

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I love the organic work of Birchbarkfurniture. They work with antique pieces and overlay marquetry birch bark onto the surface. I’m a big fan.

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Glass bowls by Alexa Lixfeld

Beautiful hand blown glass bowls by Alexa Lixfeld

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Charles Kalpakian chair

Franck fauteuil by Charles Kalpakian

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Over the Top low table by Atelier Bettenfeld-Rosenblum and Christian Ghion‘Over the Top’ low table by Christian Ghion and Atelier Bettenfuld-Rosenblum

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Cabinet. maison Taillardat.

Cabinet with revolving inset globe. Maison Taillardat

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Wishing you all a very happy weekend!

AD Collections: ‘1937/2017, the decorative arts from yesterday to today’

'Waves' light by Maurizio Galante & Tal Lancman

‘Waves’ light in Inox steel by Maurizio Galante & Tal Lancman for Opinion Ciatti.

This third edition of AD Collections is presented in the magnificent 1930s Musée d’art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, a building originally created for the Exposition Internationale of 1937 on the banks of the Seine. With historic Art Deco pieces nestled in among the contemporary design, it presents this year a subtle connection between the noble materials and artisanal expertise of works by such legends as André Arbus, Pierre Chareau and Jean Dunand and those of contemporary designers.

Chair in sculpted wood by Paul Frederic Follot

Chair in sculpted, lacquered and gilded wood by Paul Frédéric Follot (1877-1941). Collection Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris

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'Lamm' chair in patinated bronze by Charles Tassin

Contemporary ‘Lamm’ chair in metallic patinated bronze by Charles Tassin  for Galerie May

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Desk chair by Michel Dufet

Armchair, c1930 in bois de palmier and python skin by Michel Dufet. Collection Musée d’Art modern de la Ville de Paris

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Jean-Luc le Moinnier

Contemporary armchair in ebony, bronze and leather by Jean-Luc Mounier for Galerie Scène Ouverte

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'Eden' chair in forged iron by Elizabeth Garouste

Contemporary ‘Eden’ chair in forged iron by Elizabeth Garouste for Galerie Avant-Scène

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Lacquered wood chair by André Arbus

Lacquered wood chair, 1937, by André Arbus. Collection Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris

This focus on the role and skill of the artisan is at the very root of the rich tradition of the decorative arts in France. A skilled artisan practices his craft and through experience and aptitude can reach the expressive levels of an artist. He has a key role in the production of the pieces and when working with  exceptional materials the results reach the heights of the work of such Art Deco legends as Ruhlmann, Printz and Chareau and Arbus, and contemporary designers like Joseph Dirand, Majd Baezerij, Nicolas Aubagnac, Emmanuel Bossuet, and many others showing at this AD Collections.

Secretaire (1926) by Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann

Secretaire, 1926, Burmese loupe d’amboine wood, crocodile skin, ivory and ebony by Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann. Collection Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris

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Cabinet in patinated steel by Delos & Ubiedo

Contemporary cabinet in patinated iron by Delos & Ubiedo for Galerie Mougin

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Commode by Eugène Printz

Commode with drawers, 1933, in rosewood, sycamore and copper by Eugène Printz. Collection Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris

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Ingrid Donat

Contemporary ‘Tribal’ commode in bronze by Ingrid Donat for Carpenters Workshop Gallery

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Pair of monumental vases by Jean DunandPair of monumental amphora vases, 1930 in lacquered gilded copper by Jean Dunand. Collection Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris

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Large porcelain vase painted by Barthélèmy Toguo for Sèvres

Contemporary ‘Grand Charpin’ vase in porcelain by Pierre Charpin, painted by Bathélémy Toguo, for Sévres

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Ann Sevrin, responsible for the scenography for this edition, has arranged the exhibits on small stands set against the walls. Each backdrop is in a subtle pale pink which acts as a discreet foil to the splendor of the design pieces.

Desk in bois de palmier and canon de fusil metal by Eugene Printz

Desk in bois de palmier and ‘canon de fusil’ metal, 1932, by Eugene Printz. Collection Musée d’Art modern de la Ville de Paris

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'Oscar' desk by Joseph Dirand

Contemporary ‘Oscar’ desk in leather, polished steel and wood by Joseph Dirand.

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Coffre à linge by Pierre ChareauCoffre à linge, c1927 by Pierre Chareau. Collection Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris

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André Arbus

Console, 1937, in tortoiseshell and bronze by André Arbus. Collection Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris

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'Expansion' console by Patrick Naggar

‘Expansion’ console in ptinated bronze by Patrick Naggar for Galerie Dutko

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'Hommage' cabinet, 'Ce n'est pas' pouf and 'Lis-moi une histoire'' side table by Pinel & Pinel

Contemporary ‘Hommage’ cabinet and chair, ‘Ce nest pas’ pouf and ‘Lis-moi une histoire’ side table in leather and crocodile skin by Pinel & Pinel

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Bedside table by Chahan MinassianContemporary bedside table in bronze, straw marquetry, leather and rock crystal by Chahan Minassian

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Bout de canapé by Majd BazerjiContemporary side table in brass, patinated bronze and inbox by Majd Bazerji for Galerie Patrick Fourtin

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And a few more beautiful pieces:

'Gallipoli' armchair and 'Ruffano' bench by Stéphane Parmentier

This ‘Gallipoli’ armchair and ‘Ruffano’ bench in travertine and sheepskin are a fabulous use of these materials, combining the coolness of the stone with the warmth of the sheepskin. Love these! Stéphane Parmentier

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'Aelita' light and 'Orgues Redux' light by Emmanuel Bossuet for Maison Charles

‘Aelita’ and ‘Organ Redux’ in brass, canon de fusil metal and silver by Emmanuel Bossuet for Maison Charles

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'Helios' low table by Nocolas Aubagnac

Contemporary ‘Helios’ low table, maple and straw marquetry by Nicolas Aubagnac

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'Landscape' lamp by Raphael Navot

Contemporary ‘Landscape’ lamp in bronze by Raphael Navot

Great design truly transcends time, reinventing itself while remaining true to the expertise of the artisan and to the value of superior, carefully-chosen materials.

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Wishing you all a lovely weekend

Highlights of PAD Paris 2017

Following a break from the blog we’re back and will be posting periodic art and design updates to keep you connected and engaged!

We hope you enjoy these highlights from PAD Paris 2017

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The jury prizes for this year’s PAD went to:

Best Stand – Gallery Flak

Best 20th century Design – Galerie du Passage for (Ernest Boiceau’s exquisite 1930 silk carpet – see image below)

 Joint prize for Best Contemporary Design – The Collection by RoWin’Atelier at Galerie Alexandre Guillemain and ‘Sleeves’ by Laura Santillana at Clara Scremini Gallery (see images further down).

Marcilhac, daybed and screenLit de repos attributed to André Arbus, 1940s, and folding screen ‘Les Fils d’Ombre’ in stained wood and precious thread by Hoon Moreau. Galerie Marcilhac

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Strolling today through PAD Paris on Preview day I was struck, as always by the scope of the exhibits and the standard of excellence upheld at this special Fair. PAD has long been one of my favorite fairs; I love it’s eclectic nature. For its 21st edition, the galleries elegantly, and with panache, displayed treasures of 20th century and contemporary design and decorative art, Asian and Pre-Colombian art, ceramics, glass, jewellery and fine art with each booth expertly creating its own inspired scenography. It has often been described as having the atmosphere of a ‘cabinet of curiosities’. While the exhibitors are predominantly French, I spied a couple of Hong Kong galleries and several from the rest of Europe, but none from the States this year. Here are a few highlights from the Fair.

Studio Pad, Pierre Gonalons and Pierre FreyStudio PAD created this year by Pierre Gonalons 

I’ve long been an admirer of the spectacular and monumental marble works of Pierre Gonalons. This this year he has created a beautiful interior inspired by Rudolf Nurevey’s 1980s Paris apartment for Studio PAD, using Pierre Frey fabrics and pieces of his own along with several from the Mobilier Nationale collection. Running throughout on the walls, furniture and floors is the Frey motif ‘Rue de Richelieu and this play on pattern and surface creates a powerful visual effect. A veritable tour de force which greets you to the right as you enter the Fair!

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Jacques Lacoste, Hector Guimard table.

A rare Art Nouveau table by Hector Guimard, Galerie Jacques Lacoste

The theme of Jacques Lacoste’s stand this year is Art Nouveau and this rare and beautiful table by Hector Guimard (provenance Castel-Henriette), quite rightly, takes centre stage. The smooth, curving legs are remarkably seductive. Guimard was a French architect and a major figure in Art Nouveau design. He designed several of the beautiful metro entrances in Paris.

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Pierre Passebon galerie, Ernest Boicea carpet and Gio Ponti sofa

Carpet by Ernest Boiceau; sofa by Gio Ponti, Galerie du Passage

Ernest Boiceau’s magnificent silk carpet in delicate Point de Cornely stitch was one of my favorite pieces in this year’s Fair. The refined colors and beautiful Zodiac pattern are subtle and harmonious particularly as a backdrop to the elegant sofa by Gio Ponti.  Provenance of the carpet: Louise de Vilmorin. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, this carpet won the Jury Prize this year for the Best 20th Century object.

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Maison Rapin

Mirrors made for Coco Chanel by Robert Goosens; and Orione cabinet by Roberto Giulio Rida. Maison Rapin

These mirrors were created in 1972 by Robert Goossens for Coco Chanel for her private showroom and her home. However she died a few months later so the mirrors were never delivered for her project and were kept in the artist’s private collection from where they have now come. The piece beneath the mirrors is the ‘Orione’ cabinet in brass, crystal glass and wood by the contemporary Italian designer Roberto Giulio Rida. Its is a unique piece. They work wonderfully together.

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88 Gallery, Max Ingrand

Dahlia light by Max Ingrand in gilded brass and glass, 1960s. 88-Gallery

The gallery explained to me that this ‘Dahlia’ light by Max Ingrand for Fontane Arte could be used as a chandelier or a wall light. They had found an old photograph of it mounted on a wall and had decided to show it this way at PAD. Gorgeous either way!

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Gastou mirror by Victor RomanSurrealist mirror in bronze by Victor Roman. Galerie Yves and Victor Gastou

On Galerie Yves and Victor Gastou’s stand the sculptural forms of this Surrealist mirror by Victor Roman (1937-1995) in bronze create the most wonderful shadows on the wall behind. Roman, born in Bucharest, became a naturalized Frenchmen and created several important monumental public sculptures in France. You can see the beautiful Jean Royere ‘Persane’ wall light (1954) from Galerie Chastel Marechal’s stand opposite in the reflection.

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Gastou Ado Chale.Goutte d’Eau table in aluminum and bronze and table top in aluminum hung on wall, both by Ado Chale. Galerie Yves and Victor Gastou

I also loved this signed ‘Goutte d’Eau’ table by Ado Chale in aluminium and bronze and the creative way they hung another aluminium table top by Chale on the wall above with spectacular results. The Hiquilly candlesticks look amazing too.

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Antonine Catzeflis table by Benjamin PagetConsole/desk by Benjamin Pagart, Galerie Antonine Catzeflis

Over at Galerie Antonine Catzeflis, the contemporary designer Benjamin Pagart’s sleek console/desk in exotic Ovangkol wood is well worth seeing. The smooth and fluid lines and the sheer beauty of the wood are thrilling – impossible not to want to run your hands over it!

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Wettergren. Grethe Sorensen and Ilka Suppenen‘Fusion’ in murano glass by Ilke Suppanen; and ‘Reflections’ by Grethe Sorensen. Galerie Maria Wettergren

Maria Wettergren never fails to astonish with her poetic and thoughtful works. This beautiful and statuesque piece (Fusion, 2016) in Murano glass is by Finnish designer Ilka Suppanen. The light reflects gently off the thick glass creating both translucent and enchanting green effects. Strongly influenced by Humanism in his work Suppanen says: “I believe that design is basically the act of changing existing situations into preferred ones”. Behind it you see Greta Sorensen’s short film ‘Reflections’ showing the early morning light on the water in Venice played out on polyester sheets. The rippling water and effects of depth created by the layers of polyster is mesmerizing. Danish artist Sorensen is an important pioneer in the field of contemporary textile art and her work is always thought-provoking.

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Armel Soyer, lightsAluminium lights by Lambert & Fils. Galerie Armel Soyer

Armel Soyer is showing new and exciting international design this year. Lambert & Fils, Canadian designers based in Montreal created these sculptural and minimalist lights with smooth cutting lines in edgy aluminium, crossing the lines between the borders of art and design.

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Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Floor Lamp Concret Base 10 by Nacho Carbonell

Floor lamp concrete base 10 by Nacho Carbonell, Carpenters Workshop Gallery

Spanish designer Nacho Carbonell’s work is highly sculptural. This remarkable light was created with manually shaped metal mesh sprayed with powder, sand and a hardener. The cast concrete base was mixed with pigments and hand sculpted while the tree trunk is in welded steel.

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Contemporary 'Extraction' armchair in Grand Antique marble by Pierre Gonalons. Studio PAD

‘Extraction’ contemporary armchair in Grand Antique marbre by Pierre Gonalons.

Alexandre Guillemain

The wall appliqué on the back wall by Max Ingrand is one of ten the gallery has from Maison des Arts et Metiers, Paris, 1949. Galerie Alexandre Guillemain, Artefact Design

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Lamp by Rowin' Atelier

Table lamp in ‘4 Seasons’ marble and beaten brass by RoWin’ Atelier. Galerie Alexandre Guillemain (Joint prize for Best  Contemporary Design with the Laura Santillana piece below)

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Clara Scremini

‘Sleeves’ in glass by Laura Santillana. Clara Scremini Gallery

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Eric Schmidt for Galerie Dutko

Floor lamp in alabaster and brass by Eric Schmidt. Edition of 12. Galerie Dutko

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Olbia by Roberto G Rida, 2017. Maison Rapin‘Olbia’ cabinet in opaline black and white glass by Roberto G. Rida, 2016. Maison Rapin

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Perpitch & Brigand, vase by Joran Briand

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These ‘Acropora’ vases in marble and brass by Joran Briand are absolutely enchanting. Galerie Perpitch and Brigand

Wishing you all a great week! Look out for a post soon on the upcoming AD Collections in Paris.

Art Contemplating Design

 

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Photo still from Christie’s video

In a recent video produced by Christie’s, (click on photo above to watch this 3 minute video) the globally appreciated Chinese contemporary artist Wang Jianwei contemplates and questions the meaning and role of art.

His project above, entitled Distance, is a tower constructed from 407 abandoned cabinets.  He says, “It represents a utopia. We are turning art into a tool.”   This artwork strikes me as a political and social statement about our level of consciousness as a global society when it comes to collecting design in our lives. What does it say about a society that produces, consumes and discards furniture at such a high rate that one artist can find so many ‘abandoned’ cabinets?  What progress can be made and how can we change our relationship with the the objects in our life that will result in meaningful relationships and consequently less waste?

Investing in narratives that resonate with us on an instinctual level is where we start.

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The Global Design Theme of the week is traditional craft.

Below, are some photos from the upcoming  MoCA Tuscan ‘Meeting the Clouds Half Way‘ exhibition created by the architecture firm of Aranda\Lasch and  Terrol Dew Johnson, a Tohono O’odham  (Native Americans living primarily in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico) basket weaver.

Using indigenous materials and traditional basket weaving techniques such as the coil this exhibition seeks to find parallels in the worlds of architecture and weaving and to create relevant contemporary design that utilizes traditional craft in an authentic way.

Mr. Dew Johnson referred to baskets as ‘essentially  something that holds conversation’, in an article by Ariela Gittlen for Artsy. These baskets aren’t functional in the traditional sense but successfully explore the complexities of interacting with design. This quote is a wonderful insight into the social and cultural value of functional creativity. It gives us a peak into the idea of phenomenology which addresses the meaning things have in our experience, notably, the significance of objects as they are experienced in our ‘life world.’

On a surface level they are quite beautiful and pleasing. Acknowledging them as a social practice bringing together groups of people and ultimately the witness and result of their work together supports the poetic idea of them their ultimate function being that of “holding conversations”.

 

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Photos courtesy of MoCA Tuscan and Artsy.

 

 

 

 

Art Elysées, Art & Design 2016 (October 20th-24th)

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A coffee table/ bar by Aldo Tura,  c1970. Image courtesy of Portuondo Gallery

This year is the 10th edition of ‘Art Elysées, Art & Design’. It takes place on the Champs Elysées between Place Clemenceau and Place de la Concorde at the same time as FIAC which is just a few steps away at the Grand Palais.  Indeed, it was originally conceived as a complementary, rather than alternative, fair to FIAC with a particular focus on French galleries.  The design section is relatively small with only 13 galleries exhibiting this year (as opposed to approximately 65 galleries in the Art section), but the variety of 20th century and contemporary design available is worth a visit if you’re in town.

Espace VIA (Valorzation of Innovation in Design) will have a stand at the Fair. It is a network platform and exhibitors venue set up in 1979 by CODIFAB (French Furniture Industries Development Committee) with the support of the Ministry of Industry. Its goal is to promote contemporary furniture and lighting design along with decorative objects in France and abroad.

Enjoy these preview images!

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Unique large mirror by Ado Chale composed of round agate slices inlaid with bone and brass details. Image courtesy of Portuondo Gallery

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Guéridon in aluminium and gold-leafed bronze by Audrey Galais. 2016. Limited edition of 8. Image courtesy of Galerie Scene Ouverte. This is the first time exhibiting at Design Elysées for this gallery.

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Small table in bronze, limited edition of 8. Laurence Bonnel. 2016. Image courtesy of Galerie Scene Ouverte.

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Hamada commode by Jean Luc Le Mounier in black inox, enamelled copper plaques, interior in citronnier de Ceylan wood. 2013. Limited edition of 8. Image courtesy of Galerie Scene Ouverte.

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A low table in resin de marcassite by Ado Chale, 1970s. Image courtesy of Maison Rapin

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‘Cerf Volant’ standing light in black and white lacquered metal and brass by Pierre Guariche. Edition Disderot. Image courtesy of Meubles et Lumieres.

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Standing light a contrepoids by Robert Mathieu, c 1955. Brass, black lacquered metal, perspex shade. Robert Mathieu Editions. Image courtesy of Meubles et Lumieres.

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Low table in brass and lacquered metal by Raphael, c 1950. Lacquered by Béka. This was a public commission for the offices of the Haut Commissariat de Sarrebruck. Image courtesy of Meubles et Lumieres.

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Large carpet by Mathieu Mategot, c 1960. Signed bottom right. Image courtesy of Meubles et Lumieres.

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Table lamp, Serge Mouille. Image courtesy of Galerie Avril

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Chair by Viggo Boesen. Image courtesy of Galerie Mikael Najjar

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Art Elysées, Art & Design 2016. 20-24th October 2016

Have a great weekend!

Exciting finds at Artcurial’s 20th Century Interiors sale

 

Artcurial has a very exciting and accessible two part sale coming up on the 4th of October.  You have lots of time to browse and make careful choices!  There are over 500 lots just in the day sale! We’ve scouted a few great items for you and have included links to the auction house’s website.

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Mart Stam’s Chaise B43 (lot 204) in molded plywood and tubular steel.

The estimate is  250 – 300 €

This is an incredibly interesting estimate on a chair that arguably launched Modern design! Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe is known to have learned about this chair and told Marcel Breuer, leading to both Mies Vander Rohe and Breuer making their own now iconic versions of tubular steel seating. The chair above it where it started! Evolutionary!

 

 

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A beautiful little ceramic jar by Piero Fornasetti (lot 326)

Estimation 300 – 400 €

It’s worth clicking on the link above and viewing the jar on the Artcurial website where you can zoom in and appreciate the detail of this drawn neoclassical architecture work on ceramic. The lid is original and undamaged.

 

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Daum Nécessaire de bureau (lot 85) is amber-tinted crystal.

Estimation 200 – 250 €

It’s a group composed of a pen holder, a vessel for cigarettes on the left and the middle vessel is a little ash tray.  This elegant set could be used for fresh flowers, more pens, paperclips etc. on your desk today.
H.: 14 cm; 11 cm; 7,5 cm

 

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This 1950s Danish teak table and four chairs by Hans Olsen (Lot 593) is a set we have found several times for our city clients. It’s an elegant and very practical dining solution for apartments.

Estimation 1 500 – 2 000 €

Stamped by Editor: Frem Møbelfabrik
Table : 75 x 106 cm
Chaises : 715 x 48 x 42 cm

 

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This elegant pair of Model 2564-1950 standing lamps in brass, painted metal and wood is (lot 627) by Josef Frank, an important Modernist architect and founding member of the Vienna Werkbund.

Estimation 1 000 – 1 500 €

Stamped by Editor: Édition Svenskt Tenn
h: 152 w: 42 cm

 

screen-shot-2016-09-22-at-11-50-35-pm  A French Silvered Champagne Bucket (Lot 250). We included this as inspiration for finding vintage gifts this year as we slowly head toward the holiday season!

Estimation 500 – 600 €

H.: 19,8 cm

Not to miss!

Roger Tallon – Design in Motion

The French industrial designer left his complete archives to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs who have organized a wonderful tribute to his important work, which includes the TGV and the Téléavia P111 portable television, which we have been asked to hunt down more than once.  This object’s cult following lives on today. This exhibition includes drawings and models of each design.

avia_24-hd-7dec1-resp193Portable television set P111, Téléavia, 1963
Roger Tallon’s archives
© ADAGP, Paris / photo : Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris
p.s. This Reversible Chair model TS from 1978 is some of Roger Tallon’s work. It is lot 496 in the Arterial Sale mentioned above. The estimate is 400-500 Euros!
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‘Art & Design sans Frontières’ at Tajan, Paris

art-and-design-without-boundaries-selling-exhibition-at-ader-picard-tajan-paris‘Art & Design without Boundaries’ at Tajan, Paris

French auction house, Tajan is currently hosting the exhibition ‘Art & Design without boundaries’ as part of their program ‘The Artist and his Supporters’ which launched in 2004. The program, created by Rodica Seward (Tajan’s President) and Jean-Jacques Wattel (expert in decorative art and design at Tajan), was founded to promote innovative art and design and has evolved into a separate entity called the Tajan ArtStudio.

The current expo is a ‘selling exhibition’ or ‘systeme de gallerie’ with pieces coming directly from the artists and designers with a price tag – not the secondary market as one assumes at an auction house. There are no guiding estimates – interested buyers contact the auction house direct with price enquiries. There are four ‘selling exhibitions’ per year.
Exploring the dialogue between contemporary art and design, in this current exhibition the work of several designers is displayed in conjunction with the work of contemporary French artist, François Rouan.
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Wax painting and oil on woven canvas by François Rouan, 2013; Bronze Age chaise longue, 2014, by Frank Tjepkema. Limited edition of 3 + 1 AP
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‘Bronze Age’ chair, 2016, by Frank Tjepkema. Limited edition of 8 + 2 AP.
“For this project I wanted to create something totally opposite to the technology driven trends based on the emergence of new digital tools such as 3D printing. I like the idea that bronze is precious and is therefor implicitly sustainable. It is either preserved or remelted but never discarded. Who knows, maybe these pieces contain a couple of remelted ancient bronze swords !”. Frank Tjepkema
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wax-painting-and-oil-on-woven-canvas-by-francois-rouan-2015-and-chained-up-steel-table-in-polished-stainless-steel-and-glass-2013-by-barberini-gunnellWax painting and oil on woven canvas by François Rouan, 2015; and ‘Chained Up steel’ table in polished stainless steel and glass 2013 by Barberini & Gunnell. Limited edition of 10 + 2 AP.
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Close up of ‘Chained Up steel’ table by Barberini & Gunnell
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 Wax painting and oil on woven canvas, 2016 by Françcois Rouan; ‘Cascata’ table in crystal glass, 2016 by Barberini & Gunnell. Limited edition of 10 + 2AP
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Wax painting and oil on woven canvas, 2015 by François Rouan; ‘Shiqule Lan Se Nuhai’ enamelled ceramic vase, 2015, by Marcel Wanders (limited edition of 8); bench in carbon fibre, 2015 by Il Hoon Roh 
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‘Styrene’ suspension light in polystyrene, 2002, by Paul Cocksedge.  Unique piece
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‘Kon Tiki’ stool, 2016 in aluminium by Misha Kahn. Limited edition of 8
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Table in aluminum with glass top and removable legs, 2016. Il Hoon Roh
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Screen in carbon and fibre optiques, 2016, Il Hoon Roh
We had the opportunity to go up to the first floor and see this spectacular screen by Il Hoon Roh. And look at that fabulous 1930s floor!! The Tajan premises were originally the headquarters of a French bank.
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37 rue des Mathurins,
75008 Paris
Wishing you all a very happy weekend!