And fashion does not come up from humble backgrounds."
-Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, 1920's and 30's
Jean Besnard for Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Unique table lamp, c. 1930
go to the DESIGN catalog here from Phillips de Pury...
"Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann was born in Paris on August 28, 1879 to Alsatian parents that owned a painting and contracting firm. Ruhlmann spent most of his youth learning his father's trade during which time he made contact with several young architects and designers. These contacts would be Ruhlmann's first look into the world of furniture.
In 1907 upon his father's death, Ruhlmann took over the family business. Around 1910, a newly married Ruhlmann had his first experience designing furniture for their new apartment. This was also the first year in which he exhibited his furniture publicly. In 1919 he founded a separate interior design company with Pierre Laurent; the company designed everything from wallpaper to rugs, light fixtures and furniture.
His early designs reflected the Art Nouveau influence popular in France at the turn of the century. Later his influences could be traced to architects and designers creating innovative furniture in Vienna around the time of the First World War."
"These photos are from post cards that were made originally to showcase the individual pieces that were on display at the Paris Exhibition of 1925. "
more here...
(28 August 1879 – 15 November 1933)
read more about him here...