Vintage beaten iron lamp by Francis Dewaele for Les Artisans de Marolles, 1955

This rare wrought-iron lamp dates from 1955, and was made by Francis Dewaele for the artisans at Marolles under the direction of Jean Touret. Its design is at once elegant, minimalist and brutalist, with a sleek wrought-iron base and a cylindrical shade resting on three iron bars. The contrast between the simplicity of the shade and the robustness of the wrought iron creates a harmonious balance. The structure ends in a highly decorative spear-shaped tip, adding a unique artistic dimension. Every detail reflects the meticulous attention of the Marolles craftsmen, testifying to the exceptional quality of Francis Dewaele's work. A similar lamp sold at Piasa Paris on February 23, 2023. Jean Touret (1916-2004) was a French designer and sculptor, known for his artistic direction at Les Artisans de Marolles, a collective of craftsmen he founded in 1950. After the Second World War, Jean Touret settled in Marolles and, aware of the threats to local craftsmanship posed by industrialization, decided to unite the village's artisans into a community. Under his direction, this group creates furniture and lighting that combine simplicity and craftsmanship, quickly becoming benchmarks in French artisanal design. Francis Dewaele (1912-1986) was a French master wrought-iron craftsman, working closely with Jean Touret at Artisans de Marolles. Dewaele was renowned 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 was a collective of craftsmen founded by Jean Touret in the 1950s. Comprising a variety of craftsmen, including a potter, a blacksmith and a cabinetmaker, this community specialized in the production of furniture and decorative objects. Artisans de Marolles creations 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. Today, the work of this collective is rediscovered and appreciated for its contribution to French artisanal design. Literature: L'éclairage dans la maison, L. Rodighiero, Ed. Charles Massin, 1969, similar model page 21. Reference : 314116