On Tuesday 24 May 2016 PIASA will stage the second sale of a collection devoted to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy (1858-1910) - the most creative Belgian designer of his generation.
The exceptional ensemble, including works of historic importance and museum quality, was assembled over thirty years ago by an Art Nouveau devotee, and reflects the creative intelligence of Serrurier- Bovy and his undeniable influence on 20th century furniture.
The first sale, offering new insight on the Art Nouveau maestro, enjoyed great success at Piasa in May 2015.
Art Nouveau - Towards Modernity
Gustave Serrurier-Bovy was an architect , designer and industrialist who became one of Belgium’s leading exponents of Art Nouveau and a precursor of the modern Design movement. His concern for industrial aesthetics made him a stylistic trendsetter.
Serrurier was the son of a woodwork entrepreneur, and combined his school studies in Liège with lessons at the local Ecole des Beaux-Arts. On a trip to London he fell in love with the new approach to lifestyle inspired by William Morris and his disiples.
Back in Belgium he decided to devote himself to interior design and in 1884, after marrying Maria Bovy, founded the firm Serrurier-Bovy in Liège. Its initial activity involved importing furniture and decorative elements from Britain and Japan. Serrurier adopted a new sales approach by fitting out his shops in Belgium and France to resemble rooms in a private home. He became convinced of the need to link architecture with the decorative arts, and soon moved on to Design. L’Aube, the masterful villa he built comfort allied to robust construction.
