LES 2 POTIERS (STUDIO ACTIVE FROM 1956 TO 1970) - MICHELLE B - Lot 85

LES 2 POTIERS (STUDIO ACTIVE FROM 1956 TO 1970) - MICHELLE BARGOIN & JACQUES SERRE (B. 1936) & (1934-2016) Composition with geometric motifs, 1957 Living-room side table. The top is composed of nine jointed tiles with geometric motifs forming a composition. The angle-iron belt and cylindrical legs are in black-lacquered metal. Signed 2 POTIERS on a tile in a corner of the top. Height: 39cm - Length: 49.8cm - Width: 49.8cm Provenance: Galerie Riviera, Nice: Galerie Riviera, Nice. Bibliography: - Mission céramique- Collection Jean Jacques et Bénédicte Wattel - Catalogue of the exhibition organized at the Musée de la faı̈ence de Sarreguemines, (June 26 - November 3, 2013); at the Musée d'art moderne de Troyes (November 16, 2013 - April 6, 2014), Éditions Louvre Victoire, Paris, 2013. Our work reproduced on page 134. - Thomas Leporrier -Les 2 Potiers - Michelle et Jacques Serre - 1956-70- Éditions TL, Paris, 2015. Our work reproduced on page 211. Jacques Serre, son of ceramist and decorator Gabrielle Rochard, grew up in an artistic environment marked by the family gallery and studio in Clermont-Ferrand. He met Michelle Bargoin in 1952, the year she entered the Beaux-Arts de Clermont-Ferrand art school. The following year, Michelle entered the Beaux-Arts in Bourges, and trained with ceramist Jean Lerat (1913-1992), before joining him in Clermont in 1954. In 1955, they decided to work as a duo and got married: thus were born "Les 2 Potiers", a couple for life as well as for the earth. Together, they developed a unique ceramic language. Muted hues, matte glazes and the various techniques they experiment with, such as rubbing, become the hallmarks of their art. Their production covered utilitarian pieces and furniture - before evolving towards greater monumentality through the use of glazed lava. Their reputation grew in the 1960s, thanks to numerous exhibitions of their work and their collaboration with Roche Bobois. They also took part in major architectural projects in Clermont-Ferrand. Their work truly embodies the creative momentum of the post-war revival of French ceramics. The couple's separation in 1970, however, put an end to this shared artistic adventure - and signature.