Wrought Iron Lamp by Francis Dewaele for Les Artisans De Marolles, 1955

This lamp is a rare wrought iron piece dating from 1955, created by Francis Dewaele for Les Artisans de Marolles under the direction of Jean Touret. It is distinguished by its elegant and minimalist design, featuring a wrought iron base with clean lines and a cylindrical lamp shade just laying on three iron pieces. The contrast between the simplicity of the lampshade and the brutalism of the wrought iron creates a harmonious balance. The main stem ends with a decorative point figuring a spear, adding a unique artistic dimension. Every detail reflects the meticulous attention of the artisans, showcasing the exceptional quality of Francis Dewaele's craftsmanship. A similar lamp sold at Piasa Paris on February 23rd 2023.
Jean Touret (1916-2004) was a French designer and sculptor, known for his artistic direction of Les Artisans de Marolles, a collective of artisans he founded in 1950. After World War II, Jean Touret settled in Marolles and, aware of the threats industrialization posed to local craftsmanship, decided to gather the village artisans into a community. Under his direction, this group created furniture and lighting combining simplicity and artisanal quality, quickly becoming references in the field of French artisanal design.
Francis Dewaele (1912-1986) was a French master blacksmith who worked closely with Jean Touret at Les Artisans de Marolles. Dewaele was recognized for his mastery of wrought iron and his ability to create pieces that were both robust and elegant. His work with Les Artisans de Marolles contributed to many iconic creations, marked by meticulous attention to detail and a harmonious integration of modern and traditional design elements.
Les Artisans de Marolles were a collective of artisans founded by Jean Touret in the 1950s. Composed of various artisans, including a potter, a blacksmith, and a carpenter, this community specialized in the production of furniture and decorative objects. The creations of Les Artisans de Marolles were often exhibited and sold in prestigious venues, contributing to the recognition of their work. Despite internal tensions and the challenges of industrialization, the collective managed to maintain high-quality production until its dissolution in 1970. The work of this collective is now rediscovered and appreciated for its contribution to French artisanal design.
Litterature : L'éclairage dans la maison, L. Rodighiero, Ed. Charles Massin, 1969, similar model page 21.