This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
Pierre Imans was a Dutch mannequin designer and manufacturer. He was professionally active in Paris.
Biography
Before 1900, Imans was active in a mannequin factory in Paris. By the 1920s, his establishment was located at 10 rue de Crussol. He became known for his faultlessly finished imitation human skin in wax; in 1922, he developed ‘carnesine’ or ‘carnisine’ to simulate skin; developed a secret formula that was mainly plaster with gelatin; subsequently, produced models in various synthetic materials and wood mounted in-store vitrines worldwide. He produced figures in the images of well-known actresses and politicians.
Exhibitions
Work (anatomical wax busts) shown at 1900 Paris ‘Exposition Universelle’; Salons of Société des Artistes Décorateurs and ses- sions of Salon d’Automne; 1915 San Francisco ‘Panama-Pacific International Exposition’; 1925 Paris ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes’ (in charge of ‘street art’ and own pavilion on Pont Alexandre-III). Received first prize at 1911 Turin ‘Esposizone Internazionale dell’Industria e del Lavoro.’ Nicole Parrot, Mannequins, Paris: Colona, 1981; London: Academy Editions, 1982.
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL
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