The stark brutalist furniture and decor created by Jean Touret and Les Artisans de Marolles during the 20th century is ripe for a comeback, and it is today drawing the attention of galleries and collectors.
French artist Jean Touret was the founder of Les Artisans de Marolles, a group of furniture makers based in the Loire Valley in the postwar era. The rustic but exquisitely proportioned pieces they produced included benches made from gouged wood, a wrought-iron sconce in the form of a cockerel, three-legged stools with seats carved to hug the body and a series of exceptional credenzas whose doors were sculpted by Touret himself, with themes like the seven deadly sins and pastoral life.
Touret’s talents were not deployed only on tables and lighting. From the mid-1960s until shortly before his death, in 2004, he earned his living largely through ecclesiastical commissions, the most famous of which was the altarpiece at Notre-Dame de Paris. Installed in 1989 and destroyed in the fire that swept through the cathedral in 2019, the work consisted of a brass chest clad with bronze panels depicting the evangelists and the four great prophets.
More than anything, Touret was a sculptor, although a rather unsuccessful one during his lifetime. He rarely exhibited, sold next to nothing and was never able to afford a heated studio.
Touret was born in 1916 and largely brought up in Le Mans, in western France. He worked in the legal department of a local insurance company before fighting in World War II, during which he spent five years as a prisoner of war on the German–Czechoslovakian border. There, he had his first real contact with wood while being forced to work as a lumberjack. At the end of hostilities, he returned to France, settled in Marolles with his wife, Odile, and declared that he would become an artist (he had previously taken evening classes with a painter in Le Mans). In 1950, the manager of the Château de Chambord commissioned him to create a number of sculptures of deer and wild boars for the pavilions in the château’s park. That same year, Touret established Les Artisans de Marolles. For him, it was more a social venture than an artistic one. As industrialization expanded in postwar France, the village’s craftsmen found themselves in need of work.
The collective’s founding members were a basket maker, a potter, a blacksmith and a carpenter. The last, Émile Leroy, continued his work as a coffin maker while participating in the group. Touret acted as artistic director, imposing his aesthetic vision through direct discussions with the craftsmen in their workshops rather than through drawings. Over the years, the collective’s output was regularly exhibited in both the Marolles village hall and the more magnificent setting of the nearby Château Royal de Blois. Certain items were also stocked by the Primavera boutique in Paris, an offshoot of the department store Le Printemps.
To respond to the increasing demand, craftsmen from other villages were brought in, and as their numbers rose, so did tensions and disputes. Uninterested in ego management, Touret increasingly took a back seat, moving to a village on the other bank of the Loire in 1963 before officially quitting the following year. Although Atelier Maroles continued to exist until 1970, the aesthetic quality of its production took a marked turn for the worse.
Touret then stopped creating secular furniture altogether. In 1965, he met a young chaplain at the Sorbonne, Jean-Marie Lustiger, who went on to become not only his most indefatigable supporter but also a cardinal and the archbishop of Paris. It was Lustiger who initiated most of Touret’s commissions for the Church, whether monumental sculptures of Christ, liturgical furniture or the Notre-Dame de Paris altarpiece.
Until recently, Touret’s furniture and decor had been forgotten for decades. Its rediscovery is largely due to dealers like Benoist F. Drut, at Maison Gerard in New York, and Yves and Victor Gastou, in Paris, who were attracted to its elemental forms and handcrafted spirit. An exhibition in 2022 at the Galerie Gastou posthumously shed light on the work.
Find vintage Atelier Maroles furniture on 1stDibs.
$2,353Sale Price|20% Off
Atelier Marolles Wrought Iron Animal Fire Screen 1950s
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This wrought iron fire screen was produced by Atelier Marolles in France during the 1950s. The structure is composed entirely of hand-forged iron, featuring a rectangular frame suppo...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Animal Fire Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Den Haag, NL
Wrought iron animal fire screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955. Very decorative and useful piece with dense mesh against the sparks.
Metal, Wrought Iron
1950 Ateliers Marolles Fire Screen in Wrought Iron
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wrought iron firewall from Ateliers Marolles, 1950. Beautiful handcrafted ironwork of animal nature representing Horses, Elephants, Girafe Work of ironwork carried out with the hand....
Wrought Iron
Midcentury Wrought-Iron Chandelier by Jean Touret, Gothic Style
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This striking French Mid-Century wrought-iron chandelier was created circa 1950 by Ateliers de Marolles, under the artistic direction of Jean Touret, in collaboration with master iro...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Fire Screen, African Animals by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Den Haag, NL
Wrought Iron Fire Screen, African Animals by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955. Very decorative and useful piece with dense mesh against the sparks.
Metal, Wrought Iron
1950 Pair of Screens Atelier Marolles & Jean Touret
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of wrought-iron screens with brown patina, designed by Jean Touret and made by the Atelier de Marolles, in good condition. The screen features a rectangular wrought-iron frame ...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Animal Fire Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1950's
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Den Haag, NL
Wrought iron animal fire screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955. Very decorative and useful piece with dense mesh against the sparks.
Metal, Wrought Iron
1950, Wrought Iron Mirror Atelier Marolles & Jean Touret
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wrought-iron animal mirror by Atelier Marolles, France, 1950s. Composed of a wrought-iron frame with brown patina decorated with an animal bestiary inspired by the farmyard and the...
Wrought Iron
Jean Touret Ateliers de Marolles Midcentury Rooster Table Lamp, Pair available
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Mid-Century French Table Lamp by Ateliers de Marolles (Jean Touret), France, circa 1950. A striking mid-century French table lamp designed by Jean Touret for Ateliers de Marolles, circa 1950. This elegant tripod table lamp features a unique crowing rooster motif and is crafted from hammered wrought iron, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship characteristic of Ateliers de Marolles. The lamp embodies the essence of mid-century French design, with its clean lines and sculptural form. The combination of the tripod base and intricate wrought iron detailing makes this piece a real statement in any interior. Dimensions: Height without socket: 50 cm (19.7 inches) Base diameter: 25.4 cm (10 inches) The lampshade shown in the photos is not included as it is for display purposes only and is not part of the offer. This lamp comes wired for your country (US, EU, Australia, etc.) and is LED compatible, offering modern functionality to this classic design. This pair of lamps is available and would make a stunning addition to any vintage French lighting or mid-century modern decor collection. Additionally, a floor lamp of this model was featured on the cover and page #144 of AD magazine (November-December issue, French version), adding even more prestige to the already iconic design. Key Features: Mid-Century French Table Lamp by Jean Touret for Ateliers de Marolles Unique crowing rooster motif on a hammered wrought iron base Tripod base design with exceptional craftsmanship Height: 50 cm (19.7 inches), Base Diameter: 25.4 cm (10 inches) LED compatible and comes hardwired for your country Shade not included (shown for display purposes only) Featured in AD Magazine, November-December issue (French version) A timeless example of French modernist lighting...
Wrought Iron
Room Divider / Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1950s
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Brussels, BE
Room Divider / Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1950s
Iron
$3,154Sale Price|20% Off
Atelier des Marolles Touret screen room divider wrought iron with animals, 1950s
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Zevenaar, NL
This iconic room divider was created by the well-known french artist Jean Touret for Atelier des Marolles, who founded the workshop in france during the 1950s. The heavy hand-crafte...
Wrought Iron
French Brutalist Elm Coffee Table by Atelier Marolles
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Houston, TX
French Brutalist elm coffee table by Atelier Marolles. This handsome hand carved French elm rectangular coffee table or cocktail table is a stunning example of the craftsmen at the A...
Elm
1950 Large pair of candlesticks by Jean Touret, Ateliers Marolles
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of five-branch wrought iron candlesticks by Jean Touret from the Marolles workshop, handmade in France in the 1950s. The candlesticks rest on four square feet that flare outwar...
Wrought Iron
French Wrought Iron Room Divider by Jean Touret for Atelier de Marolles, 1950s
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Chicago, IL
A sculptural three-panel room divider by French artist Jean Touret for Atelier de Marolles, France, circa 1950s. Hand-wrought in iron and inset with a menagerie of stylized animal si...
Wrought Iron
French Brutalist Elm Dining Table Or Center Table By Atelier Marolles
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Houston, TX
French Brutalist Elm Dining Table Or Center Table By Atelier Marolles. Outstanding large French Brutalist table by Atelier Marolles. This large table can be used as a dining table, c...
Elm
Atelier Marolles Wrought Iron Fireguard
By Atelier Marolles
Located in London, GB
A petite Atelier Marolles wrought iron fireguard, French, 1950s/60s. In good condition.
Wrought Iron
Elm and Iron Stool by Atelier Marolles, France, c. 1950
By Atelier Marolles
Located in New York City, NY
Hand carved elm stools with iron nails, designed and made in France by famed workshop Atelier Marolles, lead by Jean Touret. Six available.
Iron
$5,800 / item
Stool by Atelier de Marolles, France, c. 1960
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in New York City, NY
Priced Individually; Two Available. Elm stool with tapered legs by Atelier Marolles; small stools with great character.
Wood, Elm
Rare Tripod Stools by Jean Touret for Ateliers Marolles
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand gouged oak stools by Jean Touret for Ateliers Marolles. Made in France circa 1960s. Priced per item. Jean Touret moved to Pezay, a rural area near Marolles, in 1946. While ther...
Oak
Artisans of Marolles, Rustic Red Oak Side Chair, France, Midcentury
By Atelier Marolles
Located in New York, NY
Stamped Jean Touret moved to Pezay, a rural area near Marolles, in 1946. While there, he became highly conscious of the uncertainty that Industrial development would bring to the ...
Oak
Jean Touret & the Artisans of Marolles Center Table, France, circa 1960
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in New York, NY
Stamped "Marolles." Edition of 20 Jean Touret moved to Pezay, a rural area near Marolles, in 1946. While there, he became highly conscious of the uncertainty that Industrial development would bring to the future of the local craftsmen. Believing strongly in the value of the artisan...
Elm
Les Artisans De Marolles / Egg Cup Sculpture in Rattan and Oak, circa 1960
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Les Artisans De Marolles under the artistic direction of Jean Touret Rare Zoomrphe sculpture "egg cups" representing a rooster in basketwork ...
Rattan, Oak
$3,766Sale Price|20% Off
Rooster Floor Lamp in Wrought Iron by Jean Touret for Ateliers Marolles, 1950's
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Beautiful quadripod floor lamp depicting a rooster, in wrought and hammered iron. Mid-Century Modern, France, circa 1950-1960. By Jean Touret (1916-2004), French sculptor and d...
Wrought Iron
Jean Touret & The Artisans of Marolles Pair of Candle Sconces, France circa 1960
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in New York, NY
Stamped: Marolles Jean Touret moved to Pezay, a rural area near Marolles, in 1946. While there, he became highly conscious of the uncertainty that Industrial development would bri...
Oak
Price Upon Request
French 1960s Dining Table by Jean Touret & the Artisans of Marolles
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jean Touret & the Artisans of Marolles - A fine mid-century rectangular dining table with a wrought iron base that supports a solid oak top adorned with wrought iron nails.
Wrought Iron
Jean Touret & The Artisans of Marolles, Rectangular Dining Table, circa 1960
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in New York, NY
Stamped "Marolles." Jean Touret moved to Pezay, a rural area near Marolles, in 1946. While there, he became highly conscious of the uncertainty that industrial development would bring to the future of the local craftsmen. Believing strongly in the value of the artisan...
Wrought Iron
Price Upon Request
Atelier Marolles Set of Four Chairs, circa 1950
By Atelier Marolles
Located in New York, NY
Atelier Marolles set of four chairs, circa 1950. Wood.
Vintage Gothic Revival Style Wrought Iron 8 Candle Chandelier
Located in Oakwood, GA
Vintage Gothic Revival Style Wrought Iron 8 Candle Chandelier, 33"x38.5" What a cool piece! Gothic style Wrought iron composition Beautiful scrollwork 8 Candle holders Measures: 33"H...
Wrought Iron
Custom Minimalist Fire Screen Polished & Lacquered Brass and Iron Mesh
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and understated fire screen was realized by artisans in New York State exclusively for us. It features a rectilinear frame in polished and lacquered brass with iron mesh...
Brass
$6,475
H 29.75 in W 29.5 in D 10 in
Modernist Custom-Made Fire Screen in Brushed Brass with Iron Mesh Grill
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist fire screen was custom made by artisans in New York State. It features an austere square body in brushed brass, with rectangular feet in the same material and...
Brass
$4,800
H 29.25 in W 29 in D 9.25 in
American Wrought Iron Ball Top Freestanding Fire Place Screen, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American wrought iron free standing fire screen with flanking ball finials, decorative scrolled centered panel with interior lined mesh, tapered supporting columns, and terminating o...
Wrought Iron, Wire
American Renaissance Style Wrought Iron Fire Screen
Located in Queens, NY
American Renaissance-style (1920s) wrought iron fire screen with scroll decorations and hinged doors flanked by warming pot holders.
Iron
1950s Wood Screen with Glass Inlays
Located in Toronto, CA
The 1950s four-panel wood screen with amber-hued glass windows is both architectural and whimsical. Featuring rich, patinated wood, brass hinges and a sturdy base - use it to divide ...
Glass, Wood
$7,767Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.36 in W 34.26 in D 3.94 in
Bertil Vallien Rare Wrought Iron Fire Screen, circa 1960, Sweden
By Bertil Vallien
Located in Brussels, BE
Beautiful and rare Bertil Vallien wrought iron fire screen. Boda edition, circa 1960, Sweden. Rare piece on the market, very poetic and decorative object. Good original condition. He...
Wrought Iron
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 42 in Dm 19.5 in
Classic Gothic Scroll Lantern Ribbon Style Wrought Iron Chandelier Hand Forged
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic wrought iron hanging foyer light. Extremely well made chandelier. Six lights in each. Made overseas (China) but quality is very good. Prob...
Wrought Iron
Italian Art Deco Wrought Iron Fire Screen, 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian Art Deco wrought iron fire screen, 1920s.
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Fire Screen, Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wrought iron fire screen, early 20th century. Measures: Central - H: 56 cm, W: 60 cm; Total - H: 56 cm, W: 107 cm
Wrought Iron
Vintage Boho Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage fireplace screen offers a streamlined, minimalist approach to hearth accessories, perfectly suited for contemporary or transition...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Marie Suri "Celestial" Fire Screen
By Marie Suri
Located in New York, NY
Marie Suri The celestial fire screen fire screen with scattered 4” steel medallions with bronze decoration. Mesh backing makes these an excellen...
Bronze, Steel
1950 Ateliers Marolles Fire Screen in Wrought Iron
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wrought iron fire screen from Ateliers Marolles, 1950. Magnificent handcrafted ironwork depicting farmyard animals such as ducks, cows, roosters, and pigs. Handmade ironwork. The re...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Animal Fire Screen by Atelier Marolles, 1950s
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This fire screen is a work by Atelier Marolles, produced in France circa 1955. The piece is crafted entirely from hand-forged wrought iron. The central structure consists of a dense,...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Sold
H 10 in W 5 in D 3.5 in
1950s Wrought Iron Bird Candelstick from Jean Touret , Atelier Marolles, France
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Pair of hand hammered wrought iron bird candelstick from Jean Touret for Les Ateliers Marolles , France 1950s . Measure 10 in. high by 5 in. wi...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 29.53 in W 23.63 in D 1.19 in
1950, Pair of wrought iron mirrors, Atelier Marolles & Jean Touret
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wrought-iron animal mirror by Atelier Marolles, France, 1950s. Composed of a wrought-iron frame with brown patina decorated with an animal bestiary inspired by the farmyard and the...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 67.33 in W 32.29 in D 14.18 in
Atelier des Marolles Touret screen roomdivider wrought iron with animals, 1950s
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Zevenaar, NL
This iconic room divider was created by the well-known french artist jean touret for atelier moralles, who founded the workshop in france during the 1950s. The heavy hand-crafted pi...
Wrought Iron
1950 Ateliers Marolles Fire Screen in Wrought Iron
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wrought-iron fire screen by Ateliers Marolles, 1950. Beautifully crafted ironwork with farmyard animals, figures representing pigs, dogs, cows, roosters, donkeys etc. .... Metalwork...
Wrought Iron
1950 Pair of candlesticks by Atelier Marolles & Jean Touret
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Composed of a base formed by a raised dish in the central part on which rest 3 black wrought iron arms, the central one standing upright, the other two are distributed on either sid...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 65.36 in W 30.71 in D 16.15 in
Animal Screen by Atelier Marolles and Jean Touret in Wrought Iron 1950s
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Benalmadena, ES
French wrought iron screen by Atelier Marolles under the direction of renowned designer and sculptor Jean Touret. This beautiful room divider is composed of a carefully hand-crafted ...
Iron
1950 Wrought-iron mirror Atelier Marolles & Jean Touret
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wrought-iron animal mirror by Atelier Marolles, France, 1950s. Composed of a wrought-iron frame with brown patina decorated with an animal bestiary inspired by the farmyard and the...
Wrought Iron
1950 Ateliers Marolles Fire Screen in Wrought Iron
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wrought-iron fire screen by Ateliers Marolles, 1950. Beautifully crafted ironwork with farmyard animals, figures representing pigs, dogs, cows, roosters, donkeys etc. .... Metalwork...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 30.71 in W 35.83 in D 8.67 in
Wrought Iron Animal Fire Screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Den Haag, NL
Wrought iron animal fire screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1955. Very decorative and useful piece with dense mesh against the sparks.
Metal, Wrought Iron
Pair of French Wrought Iron Andirons
By Atelier Marolles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique pair of andirons from France, 1950's. Heavy wrought iron with arched base and curved detail. Surface shows great age, rust and patina.
Wrought Iron