As part of the Selected Design session organised by PIASA on Wednesday 11 December 2019, the most emblematic designers of the 20th century will be on sale. Self-taught, Jean Royère is one of them.
After studying law in Paris and Cambridge, Jean Royère joined his uncle's import-export company in Le Havre.
However, in 1931, Royère chose to turn to his true vocation: he became a decorator at the age of twenty-nine and joined a furniture factory in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine district. Two years later, he was entrusted with the construction of the Carlton bar on the Champs-Élysées: this order was a great success and enabled Royère to be noticed by Pierre Gouffé, who hired him to work for his firm. In addition to blackening his order book, this first experience allowed him to affirm the ambition of a strictly singular style.
Before the Second World War broke out with a bang, he regularly exhibits at the Salon d'automne, the Salon des artistes décorateurs and the Salon des arts ménagers.
Jean Royère (1902-1981) Paire de tables d'appoint
Estimate : 22000 / 28000 €
In 1937, for the International Exhibition of Arts and Techniques organized in Paris, nearly seventeen ensembles were commissioned from Royère for the various pavilions, including the Artists' Decorators' Pavilion, the Aluminium Pavilion and the Ceramics Pavilion. The most popular and accomplished decorators of his time, Jean Royère was at the height of his aesthetic career.
In 1942, Royère opened his own gallery on rue d'Argenson. Following the success in Paris, Royère soon decided to open points of sale in Cairo in 1946 and then in Beirut in 1947. This allows him to considerably increase his clientele, particularly in the Middle East, where he will design many interiors.
Ceasing his activity in 1972, Royère divided his time between France and the United States, where he settled permanently in 1980 before dying the following year in Pennsylvania.
The Pair of side tables offered for sale by PIASA was made in 1955. Available with an estimate between 22,000 and 28,000 euros, it is made of mahogany. As for the pair of chairs called "Bridge" was designed from Ash, textile and bronze.
Jean Royère (1902-1981) Bridge
Estimate : 40000 / 60000 €
