Those familiar with the work of Belgian ceramic artist Georges Pelletier know there is much more to his unique floor lamps and table lamps than meets the eye. From his stately, intricately detailed Totem floor lamp to his sculptural Owl table lamp, Pelletier’s talent for marrying ceramics with a simple light source to create complex shadow play will transform any interior into an illuminated work of art.
Born in Brussels in 1938, Pelletier developed a passion for ceramics in his youth. At merely 15 years old, Pelletier moved to Paris to study at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers (now called Arts et Métiers ParisTech) before he went on to train in ceramics at the Pioulier School in Vence, France. Among his early instructors were ceramist Raphael Giarrusso and artist Fernand Léger. However, it was while working alongside a collective of potters in Accolay, Burgundy — a studio called Accolay Pottery, established by apprentices to well-known ceramicist Alexandre Kostanda — that he was likely inspired to experiment with cutouts and other carving techniques.
In 1961, Pelletier opened his first workshop in Paris, selling his ceramic lamps at the Saint-Ouen flea market. His works caught the eye of furniture design and manufacturing company Roche Bobois for which he created a series of lighting collections from 1961 to 1973.
In later years, Pelletier’s designs attracted the attention of Mathieu Tournaire, son of Philippe Tournaire, the founder of jewelry manufacturer Maison Tournaire. Charmed by Pelletier’s ceramic works and the playful light shows his fixtures would create in a space, Mathieu proposed a collaboration to develop a series of luminaires that would merge Maison Tournaire’s use of precious metals, such as silver and gold, with Pelletier’s distinct ceramics artistry. The partnership yielded a six-piece collection — three “Sun” luminaires, two floor lamps and a totem pole. Only three copies of each work exist.
In 1973, Pelletier opened a new workshop in Cannes, where he continues to work to this day. His ceramic lighting sculptures are coveted by art collectors worldwide.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Georges Pelletier lighting, decorative objects and mirrors.
Georges Pelletier '1938', Set of four Plates, circa 1970, France
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Georges Pelletier (1938), Set of four plates, Black, gold and red enamelled ceramic with solar decoration, Signed on the back, circa 1970, France. Measure: Depth. 26,8 cm Georges ...
Ceramic
Set of Four Fondue Plates, Gien Pottery, France, 1970s
By Gien
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, France - Maker: Gien - Good original condition.
Ceramic
Set Of Four Majelica Plates With Leaf Decoration
By Majolica Manufactory of Karlsruhe
Located in Buchanan, MI
SET OF FOUR MAJECLICA PLATES WITH LEAF DECORATION. THREE SMALER PLATES ONE SERVING PLATE Beautiful gloss, excellent vcondition
Porcelain
Set of 6 oyster plates, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The dimensions are those of a plate. Set of 6 glazed ceramic oyster plates, made in France in the 1960s. This charming vintage set consists of six oyster plates decorated with shel...
Ceramic
Set of 6 Oyster Plates in Ceramic, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of 6 ceramic oyster plates, France, 1970s. A beautiful set of six glazed ceramic oyster plates, each with six compartments for oysters arranged around a central holder for lemon...
Ceramic
Set of Four Blue and White Bird Plates
Located in New York, NY
Set of four blue and white bird plates. Four contemporary coloured bird dishes featuring a loon, a rooster, a swan and a kinglet In blues, yellows and peach; a charming avian lunch plate set of four for use or display. Markings for Royal Stafford...
Ceramic
Set of 6 French Majolica Palm Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1870
By Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Set of 6 French Majolica Palm Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1870. Diameter / 7.5 inches.
Ceramic, Majolica
Set of 9 Ceramic Plates with Thistle Motifs, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The dimensions are those of a plate. Set of 9 ceramic plates with a thistle design, made in France in the 1970s. This elegant vintage dinnerware set features a delicate botanical motif of stylized thistles in brown and sepia tones against an ivory background. The finely drawn design evokes the natural, rustic-chic aesthetic so popular in French tableware of the 1970s. Their simple, organic design blends seamlessly into a French country style, as well as a vintage or bohemian interior. These plates can be used every day or displayed as wall art thanks to their timeless graphic appeal. A refined and inviting set, perfect for an authentic and convivial table setting. Style : French Country Rustic Chic French Vintage Natural Bohemian 1970s Key Features : Set of 9 ceramic plates Stylized thistle design Glossy ivory glaze Brown and sepia botanical motifs Made in France France, 1970s Ideal for tableware or wall decor Beautiful vintage patina Good overall condition with minor signs of wear consistent with age Keywords : set of ceramic plates, vintage French dinnerware...
Ceramic
Set of Six French Glass Plates
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
Set of Six French Glass Plates.Set of six clear lunch or dinner France, 1980s Dimensions: 8" diameter x .75" height.
Glass
Set of Four Acid Green Floral Glass Plates
Located in New York, NY
Set of four acid green floral glass plates. Four acid green iridescent ripple edge glass hand painted plates, United States, early 20th century Dimensions: 7.63” diameter x .75” hei...
Glass
Set of 6 French Barbotine Dessert Plates, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Origin France, late 19th century Materials Glazed earthenware (majolica) Condition Very good vintage condition, consistent with age A charming set of six French majolica dessert p...
Majolica
St. Clement French Faïence Fruit Plates, Set of 6 'c', circa 1900
By Saint-Clément
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six, earthenware French faïence fruit plates, circa 1900. This set shows the branching fruit and leaves of peaches, oranges, apples, grapes, pea...
Earthenware
Vereco, France. Set of four dinner plates in smoked art glass. 1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Vereco, France. A set of four dinner plates in smoked art glass. 1970s. Marked. In excellent condition with signs of use. Dimensions: D 23.3 cm.
Glass