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French Art Deco Modernist Gilt Wrought Iron Gilbert Poillerat Coffee Table
About the Item
A visually striking midcentury French parcel gilt ironwork base coffee table attributed to / in the manner of celebrated Parisian designer and ironworker Gilbert Poillerat (France; 1902-1988)
Made in Paris, France, circa 1940s, exceptionally executed in Poillerat's distinctive Neoclassical influenced Art Deco Modernist design, high-quality craftsmanship, featuring an ornate open and airy sculptural scrolling black wrought iron frame with trestle supports, joined by lacquered gilded bronze-toned iron classical draped swag accents, surmounted by a rectangular giltwood enclosed inset mirrored glass tabletop framed with thick molded rim.
*Please note, after a cursory inspection, without attempting to remove or inspect beneath the glass, top rails or frame brackets, we found no apparent signatures, typical of Poillerat's's works, as the vast majority are not signed, so it's difficult to say with certainly if he actually crafted this piece, if he designed it and his workshop produced it, or if a different skilled artisan did. We believe it's most likely an authentic original, however we have not found enough documentation to support this without question, so we are saying it is possibly in the manner of / attributed to Poillerat. If verified, the value increases significantly.
Reminiscent of the now iconic 1948 mirror Poillerat made for French interior designer Jean Maurice Rothschild (1902–1998) during the same period.
- Gilbert Poillerat Biography:
There have been many important French designers associated with Art Deco and through the 1930’s, 1940’s and beyond who worked in wrought iron. One usually thinks of Edgar Brandt, Raymond Subes, and Paul Kiss, but this would change as the natural progression of design exploration began to move into the 1930’s and beyond, and Gilbert Poillerat soon emerged as one of the most original, influential, and important designers of his time, as well as fundamentally pushing decorative ironwork forward.
A pioneering French designer and metalworker, he's best known for his ornamental wrought iron designs that seamlessly blended classical elegance with Art Deco sophistication. His handcrafted andirons, tables, consoles, and decorative ironwork remain highly collectible today. Admired for their intricate scrollwork, gilded accents, and sculptural presence, his works continue to inspire both collectors and interior designers.
Born in France in the small town Mer, Loir et Cher in 1902. Poillerat graduated from the Ecole Bulle in 1921 and soon after went to to work as a designer and model maker for Edgar Brandt. Here he learnt much of his craft as Edgar Brandt was himself renowned for his work in metal and even weaponry making (developed during the First World War).
In 1927, Poillerat left Brandt, and began working for Baudet, Donon and Roussel, a firm specializing in construction frameworks. He was placed in charge of their decorative iron-work division, which produced tables, screens, grilles, andirons and lighting. This was the perfect opportunity to hone his skills, and also to evolve his own styles.
In 1928, he first exhibited at the salon d’Automne. His earlier works were studies in fluidity, with complex intertwining of wrought iron in his “calligraphic” style, and often, the wrought iron was gilded.
In 1934, he decided to try his hand at jewelry (the famed American wrought iron artist Albert Paley has similarly made some very jewelry). Poillerat was designing jewelry for the famed French couturier Jacques Heim. In 1935, he was commissioned to design the First Class pool and patinated doors for the ocean liner Normandie.
During this time, though, Poilleral was busily at work designing all manner of furniture and other architectural elements. Tables and consoles were particular specialties, but he also designed table and floor lamps, hanging fixtures, and grilles intended for various purposes. *We believe it's during this time in the 1940s, most likely post-war, he produced the table we're offering*
In 1946, Poillerat left Baudet, Donon et Roussel, and he was named professor at the esteemed École National des Arts Decoratifs, where he taught for 26 years, while continuing his prodigious output.
Moving into the 1950’s, Poillerat’s designs, in keeping with changing tastes, became much simpler and more severely rectilinear, relying on perfect proportions for dramatic effect, and he continued to remain an important figure in French design.
During his career he collaborated with recognised designers such as Andre Arbus, Jaques Adnet, Jean Royere, Raymond Subes, Rene Prou, Jansen, and Maison Bagues to name just a few. His designs show his love of hard metal and design. His work reflected the constant changing of tastes over time. Considered Maitre Ferronnier or master ironworker, he was also prolific at design. From the 1930 his designs became much simpler and suggestive of 18th century Neoclassical forms.
The style he developed evokes the Ecole de Fontainebleau and the almost surreal preciosity made fashionable by certain designers at that time. Active during the Art Deco Moderne period, compared to many other designers, he was inspired more by antique historical forms - making his objects airy and delicate in appearance. A unique contrast to the heavy dark ironwork, this subtle elegant gracefulness can be seen by the use of details such as entwined chord. His motto to reflect his work was, "iron is not an accessory, it is an ornament".
Recognised as being one of the most skilled ironworkers and designers of the 20th century, Poillerat's works are known for being highly unique and often produced in limited quantities and frequently one-offs. His work can be characterised as being bold, striking and dynamic, and nearly a century later his architectural work can be found adorning numerous important buildings and his decorative arts found inside prestigious homes, museums and fine private collections around the world.
Dimensions: (approx)
21.5" High, 47.25" Wide, 23.75" Deep
- Condition Report:
Overall a remarkable example that presents well, in highly desirable very good original unrestored vintage condition. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Attractive appearance, with nicely aged warm patina, typical patinated metalwork, nicks, abrasions, moderate rubbing and loss to giltwood, typical patinated metalwork with scattered oxidation, minor surface scratches to glass, all expected wear consistent with age and use.
- 1stdibs arranged professional shipping / in-home white-glove delivery services available:
Depending on your location, our trusted third-party shipping partners availability, schedule, route, weather, etc... we typically qoute to please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. It's typically sooner than that, but please be sure to read your qoute for details.
Local Pick-up / Delivery available around Dallas and the DFW / North Texas area
- Attributed to:Gilbert Poillerat (Metalworker)
- Similar to:Raymond Subes (Metalworker)
- Dimensions:Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Width: 23.75 in (60.33 cm)Depth: 47.25 in (120.02 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Overall in great highly desirable original unrestored antique condition. Attractive appearance, nicely aged patina/patinated metalwork, expected wear commensurate with age & use, nicks, abrasions, rubbing loss to gilt, character marks & charm.
- Seller Location:Forney, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5977244063932
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