The stark brutalist furniture and decor created by French artist Jean Touret and his collective of artisans during the 20th century is ripe for a comeback, and it is today drawing the attention of galleries and collectors.
Touret was the founder of Les Artisans de Marolles, a collective 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 Les Artisans de Marolles 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 Jean Touret benches, floor lamps, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Jean Touret Ateliers de Marolles Midcentury Rooster Table Lamp, Pair available
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This striking French Mid-Century Modern table lamp was designed by Jean Touret for Ateliers de Marolles, France, circa 1950. Crafted from hand-hammered wrought iron, the lamp feature...
Wrought Iron
Jean Touret Room Divider in Wrought Iron for Atelier Marolles, France 1960's
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A room divider / screen by designer Jean Touret for his French company, Atelier Marolles, circa 1960's. This screen is made out of wrought iron and is decorated with a collection of...
Wrought Iron
$2,909Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Room Divider by Jean Touret, 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 des Marolles, who founded the workshop in France during the 1950s. The heavy hand-crafte...
Wrought Iron
1950s Wrought Iron Rooster Chandelier by Jean Touret for Atelier Marolles
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning wrought iron rooster chandelier by Jean Touret for Atelier Marolles from France, 1950s. Iron chandelier with circular frame an...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Sculptural rooster lamp by Jean Touret for Ateliers Marolles, France 1950s
By Jean Touret
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A rare and unique table lamp by Jean Touret for Ateliers Marolles, distinguished by its sculptural base in patinated metal, which takes the form of a rooster—an iconic figure in both...
Iron
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
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
Artisans et paysans de Lozère Crendenza France 1970s in chestnut
By Jean Touret
Located in Berlin, DE
The adventure of the Artisans and Farmers of Lozère began in 1957/58 and aimed to provide additional income to local artisans and farmers during their slow periods. Farmers skilled in wood or iron built their own furniture, a common practice in rural areas. The initiative also promoted Lozère's crafts. Janine Braget, the co-founder, and Jean Touret, a prominent designer, traveled through Lozère for three years. Touret, who often stayed for extended periods, acted as a consultant and artistic advisor. Around 1960, he brought in Marc Navecth, a Mendois from Paris, who designed and monitored Lozère furniture for eight years. Many artists and craftsmen, including sculptors, ironworkers, cabinetmakers, and even architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, collaborated with the cooperative. They created unique furniture, lighting, and artworks, sold in stores in Mende and Paris (now La Maison de la Lozère). They even equipped Perriand buildings from Les Arcs and parts of Savoie during the 1970s white gold...
Chestnut
Mid 20th century brutalist table lamp by Jean Touret for Ateliers Marolles
By Jean Touret
Located in Malton, GB
This is a wonderful quality mid 20th century Brutalist table lamp by Jean Touret. The iconic cockerel design paired with a vintage shade makes this an incredibly decorative lamp. The...
Steel
Scarce early chair by les artisans de Marolles
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare chaise par les artisans de Marolles taillé à la gouge en nid d’abeille
Oak
Jean and Sébastien Touret Brutalist Oak Bench, France, 1970s
By Jean Touret, Sébastien Touret
Located in Utrecht, NL
The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was originally coined to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity. Similarly, in furniture design Brutalism inspired designers to create models with the same look of strength and style. This rare Jean & Sébastien Touret...
Oak
Jean Touret & The Artisans of Marolles Pair of Candle Sconces, France circa 1960
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
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
Early Jean Touret Carved Wooden Wall Relief, France, 1950s
By Jean Touret
Located in TOURS, FR
An early carved wooden wall relief by French artist and designer Jean Touret (1916–2004). Executed in the formative period of his career, this piece reveals the hand-hewn surfaces, s...
Wood
$5,800 / item
Stool by Atelier de Marolles, France, c. 1960
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
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
Jean Touret Wrought Iron Candle Screen for Les Artisans de Marolles France 1950s
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large scale candle screen by designer Jean Touret for his French company, Les Artisans de Marolles. The piece is part of his early work from the 1950's. This screen is particula...
Wrought Iron
$3,050Sale Price|20% Off
Wrought Iron Rooster Chandelier by jean Touret for the Atelier Marolles
By Jean Touret
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and stylished chandelier with a rooster is made of wrought iron. This isa French work by Jean Touret for Atelier Marolles. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
1950s-1960s Wrought Iron Chandeliers by Jean Touret, Marolles Workshop.
By Jean Touret
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1950s-1960s wrought iron chandeliers by Jean Touret, Marolles workshop. wrought iron chandeliers by Jean Touret, Marolles workshop, 6 lights each, circa 1950-1960. Dimensions : H: ...
Wrought Iron
Pair Jean Touret Ateliers Marolles France Iron Floor Lamps Girouette Hand Forged
By Jean Touret
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Pair of handcrafted pair of cast and wrought iron by Ateliers de Marolles under the direction of Jean Touret. The studio in South France designed and crafted lighting and furniture during the 1950s. This pair has a rooster weather vane motifs and the cardinal points...
Wrought Iron
Jean Touret & the Artisans of Marolles Center Table, France, circa 1960
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
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
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
French Mid-Century Wrought Iron Chandelier, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Midcentury chandelier from France, 1950s. Body of solid wrought iron. Diameter 33" - 84 cm. Height fixture 35" - 89 cm.
Metal, Brass, Copper, Wrought Iron
French Art Deco tambour screen room-divider
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Oakland, CA
French Art Deco tambour room divider / folding screen crafted of heart pine, can be coiled and shaped into multiple positions to fit the space as needed. Possibly Baumann et Fils, Me...
Pine
$3,183
H 66.93 in W 82.68 in D 0.79 in
French Mid-Century Modern Folding Wood Room Divider by Baumann Fils & Cie
By Baumann France
Located in Berlin, DE
French Mid-Century Modern folding room divider or screen by Baumann Fils & Cie, Paris, dating from the mid-20th century. The screen features an unusual flexible construction composed...
Pine
$946 / item
H 30.52 in Dm 15.75 in
Spanish Gilt Iron Table Lamp in the Taste of Les Artisans De Marolles C. 1960s
By Atelier Marolles
Located in London, GB
A run of seven gilt forged iron table lamps in the taste of Les Artisans de Marolles, with decorative fleur-de-lis detailing, three point base...
Iron
$1,546Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.23 in Dm 6.3 in
Mid-Century and Atomic Era rhodoid table lamp by Jean Rispal, France, 1950s
By Stilnovo, Mathieu Matégot, Jean Rispal, Estiluz Lighting, Rispal
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. 100% original elements. Mid-Century Modern style three-legged table lamp by Jean Rispal for Maison Rispal, France, 1950s. Composed o...
Metal, Iron
Midcentury French Walnut Stool, Jean Touret-Inspired, 1960s
By Jean Touret
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
Introducing a fantastic midcentury wooden stool, crafted in France during the 1960s. This piece is constructed without the use of hardware, boasting an elegant round seat, flared leg...
Pine
$3,200
H 27.17 in Dm 14.97 in
Brutalist "Ferronnerie" Wrought Iron Lamp in style of Marolles - France 1970's
By Atelier Marolles
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist tripod "fer battu" wrought-iron table lamp in the style of "Artisans de Marolles." Features a tightening ring at the base of the stem and a twisted motif along the stem its...
Wrought Iron
$63,554 / set
H 8.08 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Stoneware Room Divider Screen by Jean-Pierre Viot, France 1970
By Jean-Pierre Viot
Located in St Ouen, FR
Spectacular sculpture composed of 156 three-sided modules made of grog-fired clay, designed by the artist as a room divider. The elements are threaded onto a metal rod and separated...
Stoneware
Brutalist French Walnut Stool, Jean Touret-Inspired, 1960s
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing a captivating midcentury wooden stool, meticulously crafted in France during the vibrant 1960s. This extraordinary piece serves as a tribute to the era's commitment to artisanal excellence. Crafted entirely without the use of conventional hardware, its distinctive triangular seat, elegantly flared legs, and meticulously carved gouge work are all fashioned...
Walnut
$8,536 / set
H 28.55 in Dm 18.51 in
2 Rustic-Modern BRUTALIST Tripod BAR STOOLS, ARTISANS DE MAROLLES, France 1950
By Aranjou, Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in PARIS, FR
A pair of "high" tripod bar stools, Mid-Century Modern, Modernist, Rustic Modern, Brutalist, massive wrought iron tripod structures with a circular feet bar allowing great comfort an...
Mahogany
1950s French Tripod Table Lamp by Arlus for Maison Jansen
By Maison Arlus, Maison Jansen
Located in Miami, FL
A refined table lamp produced by Maison Arlus for Maison Jansen, Paris, circa 1950. The tapering column is finished in a rich gunmetal-green lacquer, rising from a splayed tripod bas...
Brass, Steel
$1,400
H 58.86 in W 47.25 in D 0.95 in
Four-Panel Bamboo Wicker Rattan Folding Screen Room Divider, France 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
This Mid-Century-Modern eye-catching rattan or wicker and bamboo four-panel room divider with filigree decoration was crafted in France in the 1960s. This rattan screen combines mid-...
Rattan
$600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 13.39 in W 11.03 in D 7.49 in
Antique French Wooden Tripod Stools, Elm, Rustic Early 20th Century
By Francis Jourdain, Jean Touret, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of Antique French Wooden Tripod Stools or Side Tables, Early 20th Century A charming and functional pair of hand-carved wooden tripod stools from France, dating to the early 20...
Wood, Elm, Pine
$1,800
H 41 in W 17 in D 17 in
French Animal Motif Iron Folding Garden Chair Style of Atelier Marolles 1950's
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Troy, MI
Folk Art Painted Iron Folding Chair In the style of Jean Touret / Atelier Marolles France, circa 1950s Sculptural iron chair with backrest featuring hand-painted silhouettes of ele...
Metal
French Pine Room Divider with Sunburst Accents, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
French Pine Room Divider with Sunburst Accents, 1960s This tall and visually arresting French room divider from the 1960s is a rare example of sculptural mid-century craftsmanship r...
Bamboo, Rattan, Pine
Sold
H 67 in W 58 in D 1 in
French Wrought Iron Room Divider by Jean Touret for Atelier de Marolles, 1950s
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible wrought iron three-panel animal room divider made by Jean Touret for Atelier de Marolles from France, 1950s. Unique decorative piece showcasing a grid of little ducks, roo...
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 Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
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 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
Sold
H 67.33 in W 32.29 in D 13.39 in
Atelier Marolles & Jean Touret room divider animals screen in wrought iron, 1950
By Jean Touret
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 pie...
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
Sold
H 66.5 in W 30.5 in D 18 in
20th Century French Metal Mesh Panel Screen by Atelier de Marolles & Jean Touret
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern French room divider made of hand crafted wrought iron designed by Jean Touret and produced by Atelier de Marolles, in good condition. The detailed Brutal...
Metal
Sold
H 25.99 in W 22.05 in D 37.01 in
Paire de fauteuils chauffeuses “luge” brutalistes à bascule Jean Touret vintage
By Jean Touret
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Suite de 2 fauteuils chauffeuses à bascule vintage des années 50, modèle “luge” attribué à Jean Touret, superbe design brutaliste, en bois de pin massif travaillé à la gouge, assises...
Fabric, Pine
Francis Dewaele & Les Artisans de Marolles wrought iron lamp 1955
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Paris, IDF
This lamp is a rare wrought iron piece dating from 1955, created by Francis Dewaele for Les Artisans de Marolles under the direction of Jean Touret. It is distinguished by its elegan...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 24.61 in W 20.08 in D 20.08 in
Wrought Iron Rooster Chandelier by jean Touret for the Atelier Marolles
By Jean Touret
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and stylished chandelier with a rooster is made of wrought iron. This isa French work by Jean Touret for Atelier Marolles. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 32.68 in Dm 19.69 in
Pair of 1950s-1960s Wrought Iron Chandeliers by Jean Touret, Marolles Workshop.
By Jean Touret
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 1950s-1960s wrought iron chandeliers by Jean Touret, Marolles workshop. Pair of wrought iron chandeliers by Jean Touret, Marolles workshop, 6 lights each, circa 1950-1960. h...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 34.26 in W 80.71 in D 19.3 in
Jean Touret & Les Artisans de Marolles sideboard in solid Oak and wrought Iron
By Jean Touret
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Rare sideboard in solid Oak and wrought Iron by Jean Touret & Les Artisans de Marolles, France 1950s. Clean and modest lines made from raw and honest materials such as solid French O...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 65.5 in W 55 in D 0.75 in
20th Century French Metal Mesh Panels Screen by Atelier de Marolles, Jean Touret
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern French room diver made of hand crafted wrought iron designed by Jean Touret and produced by Atelier de Marolles, in good condition. The detailed Brutalis...
Metal, Wrought Iron
20th century French Jean Touret Wrought Iron Chandelier, 1950s
By Jean Touret
Located in LEGNY, FR
Wrought iron chandelier dating from the 1950s made by Jean Touret for the Marolles workshops in France. Rooster represented on the top of the chandelier, very beautiful iron work. S...
Wrought Iron
Ateliers de Marolles by Jean Touret Table Lamp Wrought Iron
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles
Located in Chicago, IL
French Midcentury table lamp by Ateliers de Marolles. Created by Jean Touret, artistic director and Henri VION, ironworker, France, ca.1950. Tripod table lamp with rooster singing pa...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 34.65 in W 14.77 in D 18.9 in
Jean Touret and Artisans De Marolles, Rare Brutalist Chairs, 1950s
By Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
French sculptor, painter and designer Jean Touret (1916-2004) was captured and prisoner of war in 1940 at the beginning of World War II ; forced to work as a lumberjack in a rural area for five years, confronted to the rigor of nature, he learned a lot about trees, woods, and the harsh labor that is cutting and moving them. The gruesome war ends, Touret is back in France but unable to fit anymore in an urban petty bourgeois environment ; in 1947 he moves to the small village of Marolles, in the French Beauce area where he rapidly befriends the local peasants craftsmen. Together they decide to take a stand against the furniture making standardization and industrialization, and in 1950 they create the association Artisans de Marolles...
Wood