Exploring Gilbert Poillerat's Wrought Iron Mastery

Education

Born in Mer, Loir-et-Cher, France, Poillerat pursued engraving and metal chiselling studies at the École Boulle in Paris, graduating in 1921. This institution is famed for nurturing artisans skilled in fine craftsmanship.

Biography

Between 1921 and 1927, he worked as a designer and creator of wrought-iron furniture and furnishings for metalworker Edgar Brandt on Paris’s Rue Marat.

1927, he started working for Baudet, Donon et Roussel, a carpentry and metal construction workshop. He was in charge of the new wrought iron section. He designed and manufactured the Grillework, tables, chairs, consoles, screens, lighting, and firedogs. Poillerat’s metalwork was rendered in characteristic winding calligraphic forms in various media ranging from jewellery to clothing.

In 1934, he created an ornamental door with folk scenes for a scholarly group in Maisons-Alfort, low-cost jewellery for couturier Jacques Heim, and a bronze door for the ocean liner Normandie.

Pair of Gilbert Poillerat Style Parcel-Gilt and Black Iron Wall Mirrors

'Astrolabes et Passementeries' A Marble and Gilt-Wrought-Iron Table, circa 1946 by Gilbert Poillerat

Among the commissions were work for the Bibliotheque Nationale and the Palais de Chaillot. He established his workshop and became a professor at the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1946. After abandoning furniture and furnishings, he turned to monumental wrought-iron work, completing commissions for public and governmental buildings and the Palais de l’Elysée.

In 1957, he designed the ironwork on the facade of Strasbourg’s new synagogue. He frequently collaborated with Jacques Adnet.

Design Philosophy and Style

Poillerat’s designs often drew inspiration from 17th and 18th-century art, reflecting a neoclassical influence. He was known for transforming wrought iron into delicate, calligraphic forms, demonstrating a mastery of balance and proportion. His work frequently featured motifs like entwined cords, stars, and astrolabes, adding a unique ornamental quality. (Rose Uniacke)

Exhibition

Poillerat’s grille was first seen at the 1928 Salon d’Automne, where he presented his work for the first time.

Sources

‘Astrolabes et Passementeries’ A Marble and Gilt-Wrought-Iron Table, circa 1946. GILBERT POILLERAT (1902-1988). (n.d.). https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5328840.

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.

Gilbert Poillerat (1902-1988) – Wrought Iron Lamps. AnticStore. (n.d.). https://www.anticstore.art/84476P.

Pair of Gilbert Poillerat Style Parcel-Gilt and Black Iron Wall Mirrors. For Sale at 1stDibs. (n.d.). https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/mirrors/wall-mirrors/pair-of-gilbert-poillerat-style-parcel-gilt-black-iron-wall-mirrors/id-f_15427272/.