Léon Jallot was a French cabinetmaker who, just as modernism was gaining steam, preferred the pared-back elegance and traditional techniques associated with the design of French Provincial furniture and other styles that took shape prior to the 20th century.
While decorative flourishes and ornamentation were prominent in the Art Nouveau style of his time, Jallot advocated for the simple merits of good craftsmanship. He was a true woodworker, creating striking armchairs, cocktail tables and cabinets in oak, ash and pearwood that have a stately, architectural quality.
Jallot was born in Nantes in 1874 and started working with wood to create sculptural furniture when he was very young. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and began working at the store of Parisian entrepreneur and art dealer Siegfried Bing in 1898. Jallot soon assumed the role of Art Nouveau director at Bing’s storefront. He helped coordinate and oversaw Bing's exhibit at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1900.
Jallot left Siegfried Bing’s employ in 1901 to become a founding member of the inaugural Salon of Société des Artistes Décorateurs. The organization was established to sponsor annual salons and encourage an interest in the fine arts and design. In 1903, Jallot also opened his own decorating workshop, where he worked on everything from furniture and decor to upholstery and textiles. He exhibited at the Salons of Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts in 1908 and the Salon d'Automne in 1919.
Jallot introduced his son, Maurice Jallot, to the cabinetmaking business in 1921. Maurice took after his father in the impressive skills and passion that he developed for design, and the two became partners. They exhibited several of their commissioned pieces together at 1925’s International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris — the art fair that introduced the Art Deco style to the world.
Jallot retired in the 1940s, and Maurice carried on the business until the end of the decade.
Today, some of Léon Jallot's pieces are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His furniture was also showcased at an exhibit in 2017 called "The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s" at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
On 1stDibs, find antique Léon Jallot seating, tables, case pieces and more.
Léon Jallot, Early Art Deco Side chair, France, c. 1922
By Léon Jallot
Located in New York, NY
Carved fruitwood Art Deco side chair by Léon Jallot. Provenance: This set of furniture, comprised of a pair of armchairs, a pair of side chairs, ...
Fruitwood
$3,400 / set
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
1920s Art Deco Side Chairs in Walnut, Original Sitting with Abstract Upholstery
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-20th century Art Deco side chairs in walnut, with original sitting and futurism abstract upholstery. Very special and aesthetic effect. Excellent conditions, restored and wax-po...
Walnut, Fabric
Art Deco Chair by Maurice Dufrene, 1925
By Maurice Dufrêne
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Art Deco chair designed by the French designer Maurice Dufrene for the 1925 Paris Exposition International of Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Made of oak and leather. D...
Leather, Wood
$4,080Sale Price / set|67% Off
H 35.44 in W 51.19 in D 19.69 in
6 Pieces Salon, L. Jallot, France, Circa 1925
By Léon Jallot
Located in PARIS, FR
Charming Art Deco salon set including a marquise, a pair of armchairs, a pair of chairs and a stool. They are composed of a gondola-shaped backrest ...
Fabric, Wood
$4,850 / set
H 39.75 in W 18.5 in D 15.5 in
Pair of French Art Deco Chairs Attributed to Raymond Subes
By Gilbert Poillerat, Raymond Subes, René Prou
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of French Art Deco chairs attributed to Raymond Subes. Stylish pair of French Art Deco hand forged wrought iron chairs attributed to Raymond Subes. This chic pair of French side...
Iron
Leleu Art Deco Decorative Chairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Pair of French Art Deco chairs, covered in shark skin with ivory like accents. Measures: Width 25", total height 23", seat height 18", depth 12".
Shagreen
$1,046 / item
H 34.85 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Antique Art Deco Burr Maple Wood Occasional Side Bedroom Chair Part of Suite
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Art Deco Burr Maple side chair which is part of a large suite. This is part of a suite, in total I have a side chair, dressing table stool, side cupboard, large double wardrobe, pair of bedsteads and housekeepers linen cupboard...
Maple
$3,036
H 38.59 in W 18.12 in D 16.93 in
1930s Art Deco Italian Side Chair by Borsani, Atelier di Varedo New Upholstered
By Osvaldo Borsani, Atelier Borsani Varedo
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1930s Art Deco Italian robust side chair in ebonized mahogany and mahogany veneered the back, new upholstered with light blue cotton fabric. Original spring seat; upholstered and wax...
Mahogany
Pair of Art Deco Chairs after Rohde
By Modernage Furniture Company, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish Art Deco armchairs, in the style of Rohde. Solid wood frames with upholstered tied spring upholstered seats, and upholstered backs, fabric worn and will need to be re...
Upholstery, Wood
French Art Deco Side Chair
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Small art deco side chair of unusual design. Original paint. Recently reupholstered with vintage fabric.
$4,898Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 28.35 in W 19.49 in D 18.31 in
Pair of Midcentury Art Deco Barrel Hall Chairs Side Chairs, France, Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Mid Century Art Deco Barrel Chairs. France, Circa 1950. In excellent vintage condition commensurate of age. Please message for an acc...
Teak
Set of Four Art Deco Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Timeless, these chairs are crafted of solid birch and palisander with sabre legs and a curved, rectangular backrest which is decorated with a stylized crest of inlaid burled birch an...
Palisander
Maurice Jallot French Art Deco Chair and Ottoman Set
By Maurice Jallot
Located in Miami, FL
The sleek shape and tapered legs speak for themselves concerning this French Art Deco chair and ottoman set in exotic wood by Maurice Jallot...
Palisander
Six Arts & Crafts Style Oak Chairs by Léon Jallot
By Léon Jallot
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Set of six oak dining chairs by French designer Léon Jallot. Simple lines in the Arts & Crafts taste. Very well assembled. Cut-out leaf design on the backs. Seats upholstered in brow...