A designer and ensemblier, Jules Leleu was one of the key authors of the Art Deco movement. While he did not win the fame of such contemporaries as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank, Leleu had a longer career and was easily their peer in the conception of trim, refined furniture forms and in the use of the opulent materials — from lacquer and ivory to sharkskin and exotic woods — that were a keynote of haute Art Deco design.
Leleu was born into a family of artisans and decorators. Their firm, Maison Leleu, had existed since the 18th century and Jules would guide it through much of the 20th. (The business lasted until 1973, headed at the end by Jules's children.) He studied architecture, served as an aviator in World War I, and after the conflict took up design full-time.
Leleu presented work at the 1925 exposition in Paris that gave us the term Art Deco, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York purchased a burl amboyna wood commode by Leleu directly from the show.
As the desks, dining tables and other furniture on 1stDibs show, Leleu was a stickler for precision craft and preferred to let his materials do the talking — his furniture is generally spare and sleek; its presence is established by figuring (or patterning/graining) in the wood and the occasional marquetry medallion. He had a keen eye for currents in design and an adaptable sensibility.
Maison Leleu would embrace many of the starker forms of modernism after the 1940s, as well as new materials such as artificial lacquer and plastics (then considered cutting-edge rather than cheap). Jules Leleu is a guiding light of 20th-century modernism: a man whose work represents both a devotion to traditional handiwork and an appreciation for the next wave in design.
Find Jules Leleu tables, sideboards, dining chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Original Walnut ArtDeco Pair of Armchairs, Jules Leleu, France, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Original Walnut Art Deco Pair of Armchairs by Jules Leleu. Designer: Jules Leleu Source: France Period: 1930-1939 Material: Walnut Revived polis...
Wood, Walnut
French Art Deco Amber Peach Bevelled Wall Mirror, 1930s
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning 1930s French Art Deco amber peach bevelled wall mirror. A very decorative piece will suit any room of the house. The back of the frame is made of oak and has the original chain. Each outer glass is bevelled around the edge which pulls lights...
Mirror
Art Deco French Wall Mirror, c1930s
Located in Devon, England
Original 1930's French Art Deco wall mirror with geometric and floral motif details. Lovely shape and design and typical colourway for these mirrors. The Mirror itself is in great co...
Mirror, Boxwood
Antique French Art Deco Wrought Iron Mirror, circa 1930
Located in Paris, FR
Antique French mirror wrought iron patinated of triangular shape, Art Deco period, circa 1930. Forged metal frame orned with stylised ribbons and holly leaves. Antique original bevel...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$5,000 / set
H 17.5 in W 21 in D 1.25 in
Pair of Bruxelles Art Deco Mirrors, A. Leroy, Belgium, circa 1930, Labeled
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Bruxelles Art Deco mirrors, A. Leroy, Belgium, circa 1935-1940, labeled. Palm wood, original plaquets on verso, original antique glass, second new glass, (both usable, we ca...
Mirror, Palmwood
French Antique Oval Mirror, circa 1930
Located in Paris, FR
French oval mirror, early 20th century. Painting imitation wood and gilded floral ornaments framing the glass. Patina over time, origin color. Partial restored, re-gilding to the patinated leaf. Antique...
Gesso, Wood
Period Art Deco Mantle Mirror Vintage Glass, 1930s
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Classic art deco mantle mirror we date to the 1930s. Great look, would be a perfect addition to any 1930s themed room or look. Glass is clear ...
Mirror
Italian Art Deco Adjustable Copper Table Mirror, Italy 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing Art Deco adjustable table mirror in copper. This incredibly charming and unique piece was made in Italy during the 1930s. This tab...
Metal, Copper
French Pair of 19th C. Mirrors w/ Their Original Gilt Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French pair of carved wood mirrors with their original gilt finish from the 19th century. This antique pair of mirrors from France are bo...
Mirror, Giltwood
$1,950
H 19.3 in W 14.57 in D 1.19 in
Napoleon III Black Chinoiserie Mirror from the estate of Jules Verne
Located in Hastings, GB
Stunning 19th century Napoleon III French black lacquered Chinoiserie mirror, acquired from the estate of descendants of Jules Verne’s family, the Salomon-Mortello family, following ...
Wood
$2,000
H 21.26 in W 17.52 in D 1.58 in
Antique Art Deco Style French Mirror, Giltwood & Colours, circa 1930
Located in Paris, FR
Antique Art Deco style French mirror, circa 1930. Re-gilding to the leaf patinated (Antique frame measures: Width 4.5cm / 1.77 in.). Modern glas...
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
$1,500
H 48.5 in W 20.5 in D 1 in
Handsome Pair of Lattice Top Walnut Mirrors American Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome pair of solid walnut lattice top mirrors. Well-crafted and very stylish these mirror can be used in any room together or separately.
Mirror, Walnut
$675
H 12.6 in W 14.18 in D 5.91 in
Art Deco Rare Original Barbola Bevelled Mirror Floral, English, c1930
Located in Devon, England
Rare original Art Deco Barbola Bevelled Mirror Floral. This is absolutely stunning beautiful piece, totally original, made in England and dates to the 1930's. Stunning pastel colours...
Mirror, Plaster
Rare Art Deco Period Gilt bronze Mirror by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare Art Deco period gilt bronze mirror by Jules Leleu, the top and base with typical bow form centered with a shell motif , fitted with electrified scrolling candlestick on each sid...
Bronze