Gilbert Poillerat (1902-1988)
Gilbert Poillerat is one of the most renowned French designer and wrought iron master of the 20th Century. He studied engraving at the Ecole Boulle in Paris and started then his career at Edgar Brandt’s studio as a designer and model-maker. Inspired by historical architecture and design, Poillerat imagined elegant objects and furniture. Rarely signed, they are unique for their perfect proportions and very distinctive personal style.
Poillerat designed and produced grillework, tables, chairs, consoles, screens, lighting and firedogs. He also created altars, communion screens, candelabra and gates for various churches and a synagogue. He was similarly involved in the design of luxury French ocean liners such as the SS Normandie and SS France.
In his work of the 1940s and 1950s, Poillerat used Nature inspired elements such as branches, corals, leaves… He furthermore embellished his furniture with delicate gilded metal pieces (twisted ropes, stars, bows and arrows, globes astrolabs…)
Poillerat collaborated with many of the leading designers of his time, among them Jacques Adnet, André Arbus, Jean Pascaud and Jean Royère. Several pieces of furniture made by him are kept in private and public collections such as Mobilier National and Musee des Arts Decoratifs (Paris).
› See furthermore inspiring Poillerat furniture.
Image Wikipédia. Source: Ganoksin