François Décorchemont

FRANÇOIS ÉMILE DÉCORCHEMONT (Conches-en-Ouche, France, 1880-1971).
Centrepiece "Dragonfly", ca.1920.
In glass paste.
With stamp on one side.
Measurements: 4,5 x 13,5 x 11,5 cm.
Décorchemont was born into a family of artists. In 1902, he began to experiment with glass, inspired by the work in pâte de nuit of the glass artist Albert Dammouse. In 1903, he made his debut at the Salon des Artistes Français with paintings and some vases in pâte de nuit. He received an honourable mention for his vases. After that, he concentrated entirely on working with pâte de nuit. These first experiments were laborious, but he persevered and exhibited regularly at the Paris Salons, with great success, receiving several prizes and even a travel grant in 1908. On his return he settled in Conches-en-Ouches. He then also began to use the cire-perdue technique, (lost-wax technique) by which he tried to achieve the brilliance of precious stones in the pâte d'evening. He showed his new work at the Salon des Artistes in 1911 and in 1912 at the Salon d'Automne and immediately received the gold medal. During the 1920s, Décorchemont's designs often became more stylised, and he also began to use geometric patterns. Figures were often incorporated into his handles, such as chameleons, snakes, fish and caryatids. Décorchemont's fame rose rapidly and he was awarded many honourable positions in the various Paris salons. His works became (and still are) very valuable. He also exhibited at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs in Paris in 1925. His work can be seen in several pavilions, such as Jacques Ruhlmann's "Hotel d'un Collectioneur". He participated in important international special exhibitions, in Geneva, USA, Athens, Amsterdam and Barcelona.