October 19th, 2017 New York, NY – Maison Gerard is pleased to return to the Salon Art + Design at the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue, at 67th Street) in New York from November 9th to the 13th. The catalyst and inspiration for this year’s presentation is a piece recently acquired by Benoist F. Drut, Gallery Principal—a rare and beautifully over-scaled Süe et Mare console in hand-carved giltwood with a lush inlaid leather top. This is one of a pair that was designed for Jean Patou, the great French fashion couturier and founder of the Jean Patou brand of fragrances (Patou famously launched Joy, a fragrance legendary for its sky-high price-tag). “I purchased it from the late dealer Robert Gingold, who was considered one of the very best in the field. I was aware of the piece for decades and it was always a dream—an obsession—of mine to show this very special work. I hope that in featuring it we have paid homage to Bob’s work and memory,” says Drut.
“A curious, adventurous, and passionate collector” is how Drut describes American fashion designer and entrepreneur Liz Claiborne. “I really admire her style of collecting—it was not period specific. She collected what struck her eye, which I appreciate because it’s in line with my own style.” Among these pieces is a signed and numbered, rare bronze mask by Robert Courtright. Highly sought after, Courtright’s work is in many important collections including that of the late Yves Saint Laurent.
The gallery is also showing the work of Thomas Pheasant for the first time. It will be the internationally recognized and award winning interior designer’s debut at Salon. These limited-edition works include the glamorous, cascading Willow, a monumental chandelier in cast bronze and cut diamond, and the striking Origami, a lounge chair with a textured bronze, asymmetrically half-folded base.
Another highlight of this expansive showcase is a beautiful, large scale fireplace surround created by the contemporary artist Kiko Lopez. Lopez, who specializes in the all but abandoned practice of églomisé, has tiled his surround in hundreds of small hand-cut églomisé mirrors, and in so doing breathed fresh life into the elegant architectural element.
Maison Gerard will also feature a capsule collection from the Rome based architect and interior designer Achille Salvagni, who is known for his distinctive use of luxurious materials. He has created standout pieces including Oyster, a mirror set in carved onyx and backlit to give off a glorious soft glow; an exquisitely refined side chair, Papillia; and Palatino, a dramatic two-door cabinet made of cast bronze with blue lapis lazuli detailing. This small collection is a prelude to his first solo exhibition in the US, Achille Salvagni: Five Years of Creation (2013-2017), which will open Tuesday, November 28th at 43 E East 10th Street.
Additional works on view:
•Mika Leh – A contemporary custom armchair from Ayala Serfaty. The piece, made of silk felt and wool, signifies a step forward in the incredible career of the Israeli artist.
•Fragmented Elements – A new piece from the contemporary London artist cooperative Based Upon that can be used as a coffee table, a bench, or a console. Based Upon is known for its innovative techniques, and for creating sculptural pieces that have a notion of both oneness and separation.
•Megalith – A flowing sculptural table by Michael Coffey, carved from solid, three and a half inch walnut, and featuring double cabinet doors and a revolving floor.
•Part of an important period collection of works that were commissioned for the Palais des Consuls in Rouen in 1953, including a pair of armchairs and a pair of bergères by Jacques Adnet, one of the greatest designers of the earlier deco period, and a semi-abstract cityscape in intense blues by Reynold Arnould (1919-1980), an important French painter and curator known by the fifties for his large-scale works and murals.
To view these incredible works in person please visit:
Booth A11 at The Salon Art + Design
from November 9-13
About Maison Gerard
Founded in 1974, Maison Gerard specializes in French Art Deco, 20th century, and contemporary design, furniture, lights, and objets d’art. Incorporating works from the early 1900s to the present day, Maison Gerard exhibits unique modern spaces reflecting the philosophy that no one today lives in a period defined room.
At the twin locations of 43 and 53 East 10th St., Benoist F. Drut and his associates carefully curate the spaces with works that are at once aesthetically and historically relevant and above all, exceptionally welcoming.
