If you attended the Great Exhibition of 1862 you would have witnessed the unveiling of the magnificent Ross Fountain — a cast iron sculpture created by Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann and produced by the Antoine Durenne Foundry. This work can still be seen in West Princes Street Gardens, near Edinburgh Castle, and a number of additional significant pieces that the foundry made during the course of its long history dot a range of historic parks and gardens all over the United Kingdom.
Antoine Durenne bought the small foundry near Sommevoire in Haute-Marne, France. The foundry was located near another prestigious art foundry called the Val d’Osne. Artist Jean Pierre Andre Victor, who established the Val d’Osne, pioneered the cast iron ornamental technique, which was used in creating works of decorative cast iron (Durenne also practiced this at his foundry). The Durenne foundry began to manufacture balconies, balustrades, fireplaces and lamp posts starting in the 1870s as well as WWI memorials and large figurative sculptures, usually animals, in the 1900s.
Durenne merged with Val d’Osne and other foundries to create a co-op called the Société Anonyme des Haute-Fourneaux et Fonderies du Val d'Osne, also known as the Société Anonyme des Etablissements Metallurgiques. The Durenne foundry and the co-op was purchased in the mid-20th century by the Société Generale de Fonderie d'Hydraulique et de Mecanique, better known as GHM, which still produces work from Durenne’s original foundry in Sommevoire.
Durenne died in 1895 though his contributions to the history of cast iron sculpture and the arts have endured. He was a founding member of École Nationale des Arts Décoratifs. The legendary art and design school played a pivotal role in the iconic movement called Art Deco, and its alumni includes the likes of jewelry designer Charles Garnier, architect Hector Guimard and artist Henri Matisse. Some of the statues produced by the Antoine Durenne Foundry are protected today by various world heritage organizations.
On 1stDibs, find antique Antoine Durenne Foundry building and garden elements, decorative objects and seating.
French Louis XVI St. 19th Century Cast Iron Grouping of Two Winged Cherubs
By Antoine Durenne Foundry
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large-scaled and most charming French 19th century Louis XVI st. cast iron grouping of two winged cherubs holding an urn. The cast iron statue is signed Antoine Durenne in the fron...
Iron
English 19th Century Cast Iron Unicorn
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large, cast iron unicorn with a custom attached base stand. Great detail can be seen in the creature’s mane, head and musculature.
Iron
19th Century Meissen Birdcage Grouping
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Meissen Birdcage Grouping Germany Circa 1880 This enchanting 19th-century Meissen birdcage grouping, made in Germany circa 1880, is a re...
Porcelain
Pair Louis XVI Style Cherub Candelabra, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th Century gilded ormolu and white marble Louis XVI style two branch candelabra, each having floral decoration, supported by cherubs, raised on circular pede...
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Cast-Iron and Bronze Andirons, a Pair
Located in Pearland, TX
A marvelous pair of finely cast antique andirons or firedogs/chenets, adornied with bronze crests/trophies. These would also look handsome on a mantel, bookcase, or side table. 19th ...
Bronze, Iron
English 19th Century Cast Iron Unicorn
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large, cast iron unicorn, from 19th century England. Unicorns are a common motif used in British and Scottish works. A free unicorn, according to legend, is considered to be a wild and dangerous creature. This unicorn is tame, harmless and eager to guard your door, as it would make an impressive door...
Iron
19th-Century French Bronze Sculpture of a Cherub by Clodion
Located in Atlanta, GA
This charming 19th-century French bronze sculpture, signed “Clodion”, beautifully captures the playful spirit of a cherub. The figure stands dynamically poised, one arm raised while ...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Bronze Cherubs on Marble Base
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A pair of cast bronze cherubs or putti standing contrapposto on a square red marble base, France, circa late 1800s. Note: These charming cherubic figures were probably used in combi...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Victorian Cast Iron "Lion" Inkwell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Figural lion inkwell boasting original paint with hinged lion's head concealing the well, circa late 1800s Patina / paint loss consistent with age / use.
Iron
Late 19th Century Fiske Foundry Cast Iron Dog
By J.W. Fiske & Company
Located in Santa Monica, CA
J.W. Fiske foundry attributed cast iron Whippet dog. Incredible white paint surface with many different layers of white paint.
Iron
$1,600
H 26.5 in W 33 in D 3 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Carved Giltwood Wall Carving with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall or dress a over-door with this elegant antique sculpture. Crafted in southern France circa 1860, the element depicts an ornate, gilt decorative wood wall mounted carv...
Giltwood
19th Century Italian Cast Iron Coal Powered Iron
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Classic icon from the last century. Once used in every household, now its cherished for its simplicity and beauty. Cast in it's lid is the ancient symbol of Rome, She wolf with her b...
Iron
Large Bronze 19th Century Cherub
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality large 19th century bronze statue of cherub holding a butterfly.
Bronze
Pair of Cast Iron Figural Torcheres by A. Durenne
By Antoine Durenne Foundry
Located in London, GB
Each depicting a young male figure holding aloft a torch, on a pair of faux marble pedestals decorated with masks. The company of A. Durenne, maître de forges, was established in ...
Iron