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.
Jules Leleu, Art Deco Armchair, France, circa 1940
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
With rounded and scrolled detail on the armrest, this Jules Leleu Art Deco armchair is the picture of elegance and comfort. Bibliography: For an illustration of a similar model, se...
Velvet, Oak
Fine French 1960s Armchair by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu - A fine French Mid-Century Mahogany bridge armchair with brass sabots. Arm height is 24 1/4"
Fabric, Mahogany
Set of 10 Fine French Art Deco Mahogany Chairs by Jules Leleu (8 Side and 2 Arm)
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of ten fine French Art Deco dining chairs (eight side and two arm), in mahogany with bronze sabots. Designed by Jules Leleu for the Palais de l'Elysee in 1947 Documentation: ...
Walnut
Pair of Jules Leleu French Art Deco Bergères Armchairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Art Deco (Circa 1940) Bergères Armchairs with tapestry upholstery having a round back and scroll design arm (by JULES LELEU) (Reference: Decorateurs Ensemble, Francois...
Oak, Tapestry
Fine French 1930s 5 piece Living Room Set by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu (1883-1961) - A fine French Art Deco five piece living room set - 2 bergere and 3 arm chairs - in solid walnut with rounded, scrolled and fluted details. Stamped "Leleu ...
Walnut, Velvet
Set of Two Restored Art Deco Armchairs, by Jules Leleu, Beech, France, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designer: Jules Leleu Source: France Period: 1930-1939 It has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the orig...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Beech, Lacquer
Pair of Fine French Art Deco Mahogany Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Pair of fine French Art Deco mahogany bridge armchairs by Jules Leleu. Price includes re-upholstery with customer's own material.
Mahogany
Pair of Fine French Art Deco Mahogany Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu (1883-1961) - A Pair of fine French Art Deco mahogany bridge armchairs with bronze sabots. Bibliography: Françoise Siriex. Leleu Decorateur ensembliers: Editions Monelle...
Mahogany, Upholstery
A Pair of Fine French Art Deco Walnut Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of fine French Art Deco upholstered walnut armchairs by Jules Leleu.
Leather, Walnut
$16,800 / set
Set of Six Ocean Liner Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Jules Leleu (1883-1961). Set of six beechwood armchairs, "fauteuils de paquebot", with coiled armrest supports, reupholstered with dark green leather, standing on four slightly arch...
Leather, Beech
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Jules Leleu, Beech, Revived Polish, France, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco armchair originates from France from the 1930s and is attributed to the influential designer Jules Leleu. It embodies the French sophistication and charm of the...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Set of Two Original Art Deco Armchairs, by Jules Leleu, Beech, France, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designer: Jules Leleu Source: France Period: 1930-1939 This exceptional pair of Art Deco armchairs dates back to the early 20th century and bears the signature of renowned French de...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Fine French Art Deco Mahogany Armchair by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu: A fine French Art Deco mahogany bridge armchair with bronze sabots.
Fabric, Mahogany
4 Fine French Art Deco Walnut Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Four fine French Art Deco walnut bridge armchairs by Jules Leleu with bronze sabots. Documented. Price is per chair.
Walnut
Jules Leleu, Yellow Upholstered Mahogany Art Deco Armchair, France, circa 1926
By Maison Leleu, Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
This plush armchair is an early creation of Art Deco icon Jules Leleu, and features a mahogany frame, rounded sabots, and spiraled arms. Numbered on ...
Mahogany
$12,500 / set
Jules Leleu Pair of Roll-Back Armchairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Art Deco pair of armchairs by Jules Leleu, circa 1935. Please note these chairs are unrestored in the photographs. Four available. Priced per pair. JULES-EMILE LELEU (1883...
Walnut
$37,500 / set
Pair of French Art Deco Aubusson Armchairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Art Deco mahogany open Armchairs with bronze feet and floral Aubusson upholstered seat and back. (att: JULES LELEU, Ile de France)
Mahogany, Tapestry
Set of 6 Jules Leleu Amboyna Gold Geometric Fabric Upholstered Dining/Armchairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 6 French Art Deco dining armchairs with amboyna wood frames, upholstered in a gold fabric with a hexagonal geometric pattern (PRICED AS SET) (JULES LELEU)
Silver, Bronze
Set of 12 Fine French Art Deco Walnut Chairs by Jules Leleu (10 Side and 2 Arm)
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of twelve fine French 1940s dining chairs (ten side and two arm) with intertwining curved wooden backs and original off-white lacquer finish. Dimensions: Chairs: H: 37" W: 1...
Wood
Pair of Fine French Art Deco Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of fine French Art Deco stained beech "bridge" armchairs by Jules Leleu.
Fabric, Beech
Restored Pair of Art Deco Armchairs, Jules Leleu, Polish, Walnut, France, 1920s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Introducing an elegant pair of Art Deco chairs from the first half of the 20th century, originating from France and designed by the distinguished architect Jules Leleu. The chairs ar...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Jules Leleu, Beech, Revived Polish, France, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco armchair originates from France from the 1930s and is attributed to the influential designer Jules Leleu. It embodies the French sophistication and charm of the...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
$14,000 / item
Jules Leleu, Art Deco Walnut Armchair, France, C. 1948
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable pair of late Deco armchairs possess many of the beautiful aesthetic trappings of Jules Leleu's most famous 40s designs. ***Upholstery has changed*** Stamped: Leleu P...
Walnut, Upholstery
$6,000Sale Price / set|49% Off
Pair of Jules Leleu Armchairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
A pair of Jules Leleu armchairs.
Fine French Art Deco Armchair by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Art Deco stained beech "bridge" armchair by Jules Leleu.
Fabric, Beech
French Deco Armchair in Cuban Mahogany by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Minneapolis, MN
French Art Deco armchair in Cuban mahogany designed by Jules Leleu. Frame is in very good vintage condition, clear lacquer finish shows some signs of use but is in acceptable and use...
Mahogany
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Jules Leleu, Beech, Revived Polish, France, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco armchair originates from France from the 1930s and is attributed to the influential designer Jules Leleu. It embodies the French sophistication and charm of the...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Jules Leleu pair of armchairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Art Deco pair of armchairs in cherry by Jules Leleu, circa 1933. Restored, refinished and reupholstered. This model is 21.5” wide x 23” deep x 31” high. It is the model used b...
Cherry
Jules Leleu pair of 1940s armchairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Forties Art Deco pair of high-backed armchairs by Jules Leleu in mahogany. These chairs have the original tapestry upholstery which is in excellent condition, and bronze mount...
Tapestry, Mahogany
Set of Two Restored Art Deco Armchairs, by Jules Leleu, Beech, France, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This exceptional pair of Art Deco armchairs dates back to the early 20th century and bears the signature of renowned French designer Jules Leleu. Crafted from solid beechwood, these ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Jules Leleu, Pair of Oak Armchairs, France, circa 1948
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
This pair of cabriolet armchairs are constructed with oak frames with an upholstered seat and back, its elegant curves contrasting with its sharp lines. The angled armrests finish in...
Upholstery, Oak
Jules Leleu, Mahogany and Leather Armchair, France, circa 1945
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany and leather visitor armchair by Jules Leleu. Marked with model number.
Leather, Mahogany