TEFAF New York Spring

Maison Gerard is pleased to announce its participation in TEFAF New York Spring at the Park Avenue Armory at 67th Street, May 4-8.  The gallery, known for its fine Art Deco furniture and contemporary design, will complete its installation with a curated selection of commissioned pieces and important 20th century works.

Benoist F. Drut, owner of Maison Gerard, will furnish the booth with beautiful works that span several decades, creating a multifunctional space—at once a sophisticated living room for entertaining guests as well as a study for inspiration and reflection.

A phenomenal commission by the Brooklyn-based artist Peter Lane will form the back wall of the space.  This monumental, ceramic wall installation is wonderfully tactile and lures you into the space. Impressive in both size and scale, this piece showcases Lane's exceptional talent and craftsmanship.

In creating this layered environment, Drut offers a selection of rare pieces including a black and gold lacquered metal vase by Pierre Dunand (1914-1995) and one of a pair of four-seat sofas designed by André Arbus for the Palais des Consuls in Rouen. Arbus and Jacques Adnet were commissioned by the French government to design the public rooms for this building—one of the last of the grand scale projects in the post war era. The light green geometric motif of a Paule Leleu (1906­1987) carpet as well as that of a pair of rare lacquered and gilt-wood slipper chairs by Jacques Quinet, inspired the spring that will unify the booth. These chairs feature their original chinoiserie embroidered silk on the seat backs cushions. 

The show will serve as the debut of a new limited edition, colored lacquer Spider Jewel, a chandelier designed by the Rome-based architect and designer Achille Salvagni. Salvagni has created five editions, each in celadon lacquer over bronze, offered in pale rose, soft olive green, midnight blue, dark burgundy, and orange-red. The Spider Jewel's six arms are accented at their ends with shades of bronze and onyx. Salvagni will also debut two new wall sconces, Simposio and Brancalaeone, each demonstrating the designer’s ability to manipulate and rethink the use of beautiful materials.

The innovative work of several other contemporary designers will be integrated into this setting as well, including that of Dublin-born Carol Egan, who merges traditional craft with the use of new technology to create pieces with striking sculptural curves and subtle twists; a striking two-tier bar cart called Serpent in the Maze, in steel and shagreen, by Zelouf+Bell, internationally known architectural furniture makers; and two dramatic wall-mounted, cast bronze consoles by William P. Sullivan, who’s distinctive, organic, and fluid works are a marvel of craftsmanship. The New York-based designer and sculptor, who is known for integrating simple forms with subtle texture, continues his exploration of wall space with these two remarkable works, Isabelle and Justin.