Raymond Subes (1893–1970) was a French metalsmith.
Education
He studied at the École Boulle and the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. He was apprenticed to wrought iron designer Émile Robert.
Biography
From 1916, he worked in Enghien-les-Bains at a small shop run by Emile Robert. In 1919, he started working for Robert’s metal contracting company, Borderel et Robert, at 131 rue Damrémont in Paris. He became head of the design department and the wrought iron workshop.
He worked with several architects and quickly became one of the best metalwork designers and makers. In the 1920s, he worked a lot with wrought iron, making things like the cathedral’s pulpit in Rouen, the grilles of the choir entry at the church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and the telescoping lights on the Carousel bridge in Paris.
He also worked with sculptor R. Martin on the monument to General Leclerc at Porte d’Orléans, and with architect Laprade on the tomb of Marshal Lyautey. In the 1930s, he made furniture out of chrome-plated tubular metal for Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann’s nephew and architect Alfred Porteneuve. In 1931, he made a grille for the Permanent Colonial Museum.
He also made a lot of ironwork for the Oceanliners 1931 Atlantique, 1926 Ile-de-France, Pasteur, and 1935 Normandie. He also made ironwork for the Banque de France and National City Bank, both on the avenue des Champs-Elysées, and for the Institut Pasteur, Caisse des Dépots et Consignations, Musée de la France d’Outre.
He mostly used patinated, chromed, or gilded wrought iron, polished steel, bronze, and repoussé copper in his work. He used alabaster, Levantine marble, frosted glass, and embroidered silk shades, which Mme. Luhuché-Meéry made for him in the early 1920s. After World War II, he worked as a metalworker and became the head of Borderel et Robert.
Style
Subes work was more austere than his contemporaries. He used welding but preferred to leave on his metal the impress of the hammer. He was frequently employed to materialize the conceptions of others, but generally, the architects who patronized him did so because they liked his solidity of expression. Subes represented straight lines and geometrical simplicity.
Recognition
In 1919, he had his first show. Together with Ruhlmann, he made a lacquered metal bookcase and console for the “Hotel du collectionneur” at the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” in Paris in 1925. At the 1937 Paris “Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne,” he made the fountains for the Radio pavillion and a Madonna and Child for the Papal pavillion, as well as many screens, consoles, and grilles for other sections. In 1958, he became a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL
Paris, F. (1929). The Rejuvenesence of Wrought iron. The Architectural Forum, 50(2), 241–248.
More French Designers
Hervé Van der Straeten – French Designer Revives Craftsmanship
Hervé Van der Straeten, a pioneering designer, seamlessly merges art and functionality, with a focus on craftsmanship and surreal, sculptural…
Keep readingJacques von Polier: A French Designer Influencing Russian Fashion
Jacques von Polier, a French designer in Russia, revitalizes Russian fashion with Soviet retro-cool style through collaborations and a commitment…
Keep readingThe Luminescent World of Didier La Mache: A Journey Through Design and Light
Didier La Mache, a French designer known for visionary lighting and furnishings, creates harmonious designs that transcend materiality, embodying symbolism…
Keep readingArt Deco Furniture: The French Designers – A Gateway to Elegance and Innovation
“Art Deco Furniture: The French Designers” by Alastair Duncan offers a visual journey through the influential movement, showcasing the works…
Keep readingThe Multifaceted Brilliance of Paul Louis Mergier
Paul Louis Mergier, a pioneering figure in applied and decorative arts, seamlessly combined art and science, leaving a lasting legacy…
Keep readingBritish Designers At Home Hardcover: A Glimpse Into the Personal Spaces of Britain’s Finest
“British Designers At Home” by Jenny Rose-Innes offers a rare peek into the personal living spaces of 20 British design…
Keep reading5 Luminaries of French Jewellery Design
In the realm of applied and decorative arts, French jewellery designers have long been celebrated for their unparalleled creativity, impeccable…
Keep readingThe Artistic Legacy of François-Désiré Froment-Meurice
François-Désiré Froment-Meurice, a master silversmith from 19th-century France, revolutionized the decorative arts with his innovative techniques and iconic designs.
Keep readingd Perfume Bottle a Madeleine Vionnet Creation
Madeleine Vionnet’s “D Perfume Bottle,” crafted circa 1930, embodies Art Deco luxury and the designer’s elegance, reflecting her pioneering fashion…
Keep readingThe Role of Le Printemps in Shaping Consumer Culture
Explore how the iconic Paris store Le Printemps has mirrored and influenced design trends over the centuries with this blog…
Keep readingThe Jacquard Mechanism: A Revolution in Textile Design
The Jacquard mechanism, a transformative 18th-century invention, revolutionized textile design by enabling complex patterns. The system of hooks, needles, and…
Keep readingThe Journey of Alexis Mabille: Haute Couture to Interior Design
Renowned fashion designer Alexis Mabille extends his creative vision to interior design, emphasizing personalized spaces and French craftsmanship, blurring the…
Keep readingBaccarat: A Glorious Legacy of French Glassworks
Founded in 1764, Baccarat, the esteemed French glassworks, has sustained its global appeal through exquisite designs and superb craftsmanship in…
Keep readingMasséot Abaquesne: Master Potter and Purveyor of French Artistry
Masséot Abaquesne, a revered French Renaissance potter, was renowned for his grand feu faience technique and intricate designs, significantly impacting…
Keep readingExploring the Influence of Pierre Chareau: Architect Designer
Pierre Chareau was a crucial figure in the French avant-garde movement, best known for his Maison de Verre design. He…
Keep readingExploration of French Furniture Over 200 Years
French furniture, spanning 17th to 20th century, evolved through Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau styles, inspiring contemporary design worldwide.
Keep readingGalvani’s Legacy: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity in Italian Pottery
Italian pottery, especially from the Galvani firm, is renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation. From anchored beginnings to modernity, it…
Keep readingAntoine Rouzeau: A Master of Clarity in Design
Antoine Rouzeau, a prominent architect and designer, seamlessly bridges architecture and product design with a focus on clarity and functionality…
Keep readingAvril de Pastre: Melding Art and Functionality in Design
Avril de Pastre, a French designer, blends art and functionality to create innovative designs. Her academic foundation and award-winning projects…
Keep readingThe Life and Legacy of Isabelle Hebey: A French Design Icon
Isabelle Hebey, a French interior architect and designer, broke conventions with her innovative designs. Her legacy spans diverse projects and…
Keep readingAndrée Putnam (1925 – 2013), French Interior Designer
Andrée Putman was a French interior designer, furniture designer, and entrepreneur. She was born in Paris. Putman was probably best…
Keep readingRobert Goossens (1927 – 2016), French Jewellery Designer
Robert Goossens, a renowned French jeweller, created exquisite pieces for fashion icons like Coco Chanel by combining genuine and simulated…
Keep readingBoris-Jean Lacroix (1902-1984) 🇫🇷 French Lighting Designer
Boris-Jean Lacroix (1902-1984) was a French lighting designer known for his extensive work in various design fields and his innovative…
Keep readingPeter Raacke (b.1928), German metalworker and designer
German metalworker Peter Raacke, renowned for his Mono-a cutlery and Papp series furniture, studied design at the Staatliche Zeichenakedemie and…
Keep readingPaul Poiret (1879 – 1944) – King of Fashion
In the early decades of the 20th century, Paul Poiret was a crucial figure in the French fashion industry, notably…
Keep readingSonia Delaunay (1885 – 1979) An Explorer of Colour
Sonia Delaunay-Terk, a pioneering artist, revolutionized color in art, fashion, and design. Her innovative use of vibrant hues continues to…
Keep readingAlbert Paley (b.1944) American Modernist Metal Sculptor
Albert Paley, an American modernist metal sculptor, creates ornamental yet functional metalwork. His works blend old and modern techniques, earning…
Keep readingArmand Point (1861-1932), French Algerian Painter, and Designer
Armand Point, a French Symbolist painter, was influenced by Italian Renaissance art and later turned to full-fledged Symbolism, denouncing realism.…
Keep readingAndré Hunebelle (1896-1985) Designer French Decorative Arts
André Hunebelle, a versatile French figure, excelled in design and film production, leaving a significant mark on French culture and…
Keep readingFrechet Brothers French Decorators and Furniture Designers
Andre and Paul Frechet, French decorators and furniture designers born in Chalons-sur-Marne, were influential in Parisian design and taught at…
Keep readingCharles Plumet (1861 – 1928) French Architect Designer
Charles Plumet (1861-1928) was a French artist, decorator, and ceramist known for his functionalist approach to architecture and his influential…
Keep readingPaul Chemetov (b.1928) French Furniture Designer
Paul Chemetov, a French architect and furniture designer, studied at Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts and founded AUA in 1961. He…
Keep readingGeorges Champion (1889 – 1940) French Furniture Designer
Georges Champion, a French modernist furniture designer and decorator, was influenced by Art Deco and De Stijl movements, creating sought-after…
Keep readingJeanine Abraham French Furniture Designer
Jeanine Abraham, a French furniture designer, collaborated with Rol to create timeless, elegant furniture pieces using wood, aluminium, and rattan.…
Keep readingMario Botta (b.1943) Swiss Architect and Designer
Mario Botta, a Swiss architect and designer known for his solid geometric sensibility, has created notable structures like the SFMOMA…
Keep readingClément Mère (1861 – 1940) French Designer and Furniture Maker
Clément Mère (1861 – 1940) was a French painter and furniture builder known for Art Nouveau style and intricate, geometric…
Keep readingMax Ingrand (1908 – 1969) French Artist and Decorator
Max Ingrand (1908–1969), a renowned French artist and decorator, gained fame for his work in stained glass and studio glass,…
Keep readingJacques Gruber (1870 – 1936) French Stained Glass Artist and Designer
Jacques Grüber, a prominent French stained-glass artist and designer, influenced Art Nouveau and taught notable artists. His works were featured…
Keep readingJean-Charles de Castelbajac (b. 1949) French Fashion Designer
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (b. 1949) was a French fashion designer born in Casablanca. He studied law at Faculté de Droit,…
Keep readingPaul Iribe (1883 – 1935) French Designer and Illustrator
Paul Iribe (1883–1935), a French designer and illustrator, played a significant role in the Art Deco movement through fashion, advertising…
Keep readingLéon Jallot (1874 – 1967) French designer and artisan
Léon Jallot (1874-1967), a scion of the French Art Nouveau, stood out within the movement as an ébéniste, or cabinet…
Keep readingJean-Paul Gaultier (b.1952) French Fashion Designer
Jean-Paul Gaultier, a French designer, is known for his avant-garde creations, embracing diversity and defying fashion norms with innovative designs.
Keep readingGeorges Dunaime – Art Deco -French Designer
Georges Dunaime designed lighting for E. Etling, the designer and engraver. His work included table lamps, torchéeres, and chandeliers made…
Keep readingMarc Held (b.1932), French Designer & Architect
Marc Held is an architect and designer who focuses on the interaction between traditional and modern architecture, creating Limoges dinnerware,…
Keep readingRené Gabriel (1890 – 1950) French Interior Designer
René Gabriel (1890 – 1950) was a French interior designer and entrepreneur known for his versatile craftsmanship and influential design…
Keep readingWhy was Edgar Brandt a Leader in the Field of Ironwork?
Edgar Brandt, a French metalworker, was a pioneer of 20th-century ironwork, known for blending traditional and modern techniques in his…
Keep readingMaison Gripoix costume jeweller – glass with class
Maison Gripoix, a French costume jeweller in Paris since 1890, specialized in handmade glass paste jewelry, collaborating with famous fashion…
Keep readingChafik Gasmi (b.1962) French-Algerian designer
Chafik Gasmi, a renowned industrial designer and architect, founded UNIVERS INTÉRIEUR and CHAFIK.STUDIO, collaborating with major brands and receiving prestigious…
Keep readingMarcel Goupy (1886 – 1980) French Ceramicist
Marcel Goupy, a renowned French artist known for Art Deco style, designed various decorative objects and furniture, often using enamel…
Keep readingLouis Rault (1847 – 1903) French Sculptor, Engraver and Jewellery Designer
Louis Rault, a French sculptor, engraver, and jewellery designer, overcame a lack of formal training to excel in Art Nouveau…
Keep reading