Marie-Thérèse Espelt, known better as Mithé Espelt, was a dominant force in mid-20th-century ceramics in France. Mithé is remembered for her modern ceramic wall mirrors, gilded and enameled ashtrays and other ornate objects and boxes, often featuring birds and lively colors. She preferred not to sign her pieces and, as a consequence, much of her work has been misattributed, including to French ceramist François Lembo.
Mithé grew up in the Camargue region of France. Her father’s extensive network included 1904 Nobel Prize winner Frédéric Mistral and Parisian painter and decorator Jean Hugo. Mithé’s early introduction to a community of artists inspired her to study sculpture and drawing at the Beaux-Arts School in Montpellier in 1939.
Mithé’s early work caught the attention of French ceramist Emilie Decanis and jewelry distributor Charles Démery. Mithé set up a ceramics workshop in the Hôtel de Bernis in Lunel, where she quickly garnered a reputation for her ceramic work and accessories, including mirrors, jewelry boxes and buttons. Démery founded the Souleiado boutique, which began distributing Mithé’s work, thus attracting a worldwide audience.
French author Antoine Candau wrote a retrospective book on Mithé’s career titled Mithé Espelt, the Discreet Luxury of the Every Day, which contributed to bringing her legacy to the forefront while shedding light on her anonymity. While Mithé was respected within her inner circle, the general public is only now beginning to understand the immense talent behind her over five-decade-long career.
Find Mithé Espelt mirrors, decorative objects, wall decorations and more for sale on 1stDibs.
Mithe Espelt Ceramic Wall Mounted Keys Holder
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Surprising object by Mithe Espelt, this wall mounted key holder in ceramic with brass hooks. Enameled bird and plants decors.
Ceramic
$5,500 / item
H 5 in W 48 in D 3 in
Brass Coat Rack Wall Mount Custom Hand Made Sliding Hooks Bronze Patina
Located in East Hampton, NY
Custom site specific sizes available (length and quantity of hooks) Stainless steel, brass, bronze, aluminum Hand applied patina finishes Hooks slide along a 1" diameter rod.
Brass, Stainless Steel
$180
H 5.63 in W 8.75 in D 4.5 in
Gilded Tole Wall Mount Console Bracket Hollywood Regency Style Vintage German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful petite gilded tole wall shelf Hollywood Regency style, vintage, Germany, 1930s. Nice addition to any room or hall entry.
Composition
Classical Bronze Towel Rod Holders
Located in Tarrytown, NY
3 sets of classical bronze towel rod holders, made in Spain. Swan set is 195.00 Large floret set is 150.00 Small floret set is 125.00.
Bronze
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 11.5 in W 14 in D 8.5 in
Pair Gilded Brackets Decorative Wall Mount Decoration Shelves Antique LA CA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Pair Gilded Brackets Decorative Wall Mount Decoration Shelves Antique LA CA . Finely carved Demilune and water gilt Pair of wall brackets Scrolled foli...
Other
$3,901
H 8.47 in W 10.83 in D 0.79 in
MITHE ESPELT, Unique sculpted ceramic panel, bird & sun decor, France c. 1960s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in leucate, FR
Unique and large sculpted ceramic wall plaque made by the French ceramic artist Mithé Espelt (1923 - 2000). Matte black background, enameled decor with rooster and sun in turquoise,...
Ceramic
$1,785Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.11 in W 3.55 in D 0.4 in
Decorative French Vintage Ceramic Thermometer and Casing by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Decorative, French vintage ceramic thermometer and casing by Mithé Espect (circa 1960s). A delightful piece with stylised bird and flower blossoms....
Ceramic
$1,705
H 32.29 in W 38.19 in D 17.33 in
Louis XV Style Wall-Mounted Console, Walnut & Bronze, Belgium, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Solid walnut wall-mounted console with beautiful beaded and Louis XV style bronze decors. Dimensions: Height 82 cm / 32.28 in; Width 97 cm / 38.18 in; Depth 44 cm / 17.32 in.
Bronze
$99 / item
H 9.75 in W 0.75 in D 9.25 in
Wrought Iron Scrolling Wall Mounted Bracket for Lanterns or Signs
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Beautiful hand crafted iron scroll design wall bracket. Wrought iron handcrafted wall-bracket for lanterns or signs. Perfect for hanging lights or plants outdoors. Scrolling wall-mou...
Metal
$280
H 5.63 in W 13.75 in D 2.75 in
Gilt Metal Tole Rose Flower Key Hanger Wall Decoration, Italy Vintage, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful gilt metal key hanger wall decoration. Made in Italy, about 1950s. Made of gilded metal. In very good used condition. Very charming piece. Nice addition to your room or e...
Metal
Italian Sculpted Rattan Magazine Wall Mounted Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian sculpted rattan magazine wall mounted rack Italy, 1970s This piece is so fun! Wall mounted magazine holder has 4 sections for magazines or books Intricately woven rattan enc...
Iron
$140
H 5.25 in W 8.25 in D 1.13 in
Metal Tole Rose Flower Key Hanger Wall Decoration, Italy Vintage, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful metal key hanger wall decoration in florentine style. Made in Italy, about 1980s. Made of metal. In very good used condition. Very charming piece. Nice addition to your r...
Metal
Scrolling Wall Mounted Iron Bracket for Lanterns or Signs
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand crafted iron scroll design wall bracket. Wrought iron handcrafted wall-bracket for lanterns or signs. Perfect for hanging lights or plants outdoors. Scrolling wall...
Metal