GEORGES BASTARD

Georges Bastard was born on July 26, 1881 in Andeville (Oise). His family had been making chessboards and inlaid ware for generations; his grandfather Bastard-Lannoy, a specialist in working with the precious wood, ivory and other materials used for items such as chess boards, enjoyed great success at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867 with the monture of a fan, Diana Bathing.

After his study at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs in Paris from 1896 till 1900, he comes back to Andeville and participates to the making of fans and objects of the family firm, but sending regularly from 1902 pieces to the Salon de la Société des Artistes Français.

In 1908, he leaves Andeville and moves to Paris, 58 rue Richer, where he continues his fan-maker activity. He achieves a great success at the Salon de la Société des Artistes Français. with the "Epis d'orge" fan. Admired by the critics, the "Barley Ears" fan was bought by the State in 1912 for the Musée du Luxembourg. You can see it today in the Musée d'Orsay (Paris). In 1912, he sets up his workshop and store at 16 rue Sainte-Cécile, where he will stay until his dead.

Although his Art Nouveau period is remarkable, Bastard is no less a major figure in Art Deco. He participates to some Salons such as Salons de la Société des Artistes français, des Artistes décorateurs and d'Automne of which he was member. He exhibits with a great success at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1925 and 1937. He attracts attention with objects made from very delicate materials such as mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell and ivory. He produces a large number of boxes, paper knives, candyboxes, bowls and jewellery as well as many fans. With great refinement, the sticks of the fan are completely covered with horn and incrustations of mother-of-pearl figuring the barley ears, leaving none of the fabric visible. The fan turns a warm blond colour in the light with astonishing glints and gleams.

During the 1920's, he participates to the decoration of Emile Ruhlmann sets in salons and exhibitions. It is in this period that he starts an editor activity. He asks Margerie to create a serie of liquor bottles like Robj did. Designer for Robj, Margerie creates a wonderful serie of porcelain sportmen. Very funny with an arm as handle. These bottles are very rare, much rare than the Robj's ones.