Unique tall cabinet designed in the 1950s by French Charles Dudouyt. Made of ceruzed oak with carved wood and brass details. A timeless piece with refined patina and unmatched French elegance.
Charles Dudouyt (1885-1946) was a French artist and furniture designer. Dudouyt completed his art studies at the l’École Germain Pilon in Paris, which is nowadays known as the ‘École des Arts Appliques’ (ENSAAMA). Soon after graduation, Dudouyt started his carreer as an artist. He earned a living by making illustrations for the French publisher Calmann-Levy and the satircal anarchist magazine ‘l’Assiette au Beurre’.
As many of his French compatriots, Dudouyt was send to war as a soldier during World War I. After the German capitulation in 1918, he returned home and started designing floor lamps, shades and various decorative items, some of them he designed together with his wife. After two years he established a furniture manufactory in Pontoise, near Paris. He produced furniture in a rustic yet fashionable design.
In 1933, after moving to Paris, Dudouyt founded ‘La Gentilhommière where he opted for a more contemporary style. Soon after World War II, Dudouyt passed away. His son Jacques took over the manufactury which was up and running until 1960. Dudouyt, for his Art Deco designs, often used playful geometries and construction methods, and high-quality solid oak, preferably quarter sawn.
His usage of an honest approach to simple materials such as wood, reminds of the robust Arts and Crafts Movement. One of his legacies is the fact that Dudouyt modernized the traditional French rustic style of furniture. He collaborated with other artists, such as the French sculptor Jean René Debarre (1907 – 1968).
