Maxime Old: Master Cabinetmaker and Design Innovator

Early Life and Education

Maxime Old, born in Maisons-Alfort in 1910, hailed from a long line of master cabinetmakers. His father, Louis Old, and his grandfather, Johann Leonhard Old, were both accomplished craftsmen. This rich family tradition of furniture making profoundly influenced Maxime’s career. After completing his studies at the prestigious École Boulle in Paris, where he graduated top of his class, Maxime joined the renowned workshop of Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann in 1930. Here, he honed his skills and embraced a demanding perfectionism that would define his future work.

Career Beginnings and Early Recognition

Following Ruhlmann’s death in 1934, Maxime Old returned to his family’s workshop, transforming it into a renowned name in decorative arts. His early work quickly gained recognition for its elegance and modernity, appealing to a discerning clientele, including industrialists, politicians, and professionals. In 1939, Old exhibited his works at the New York World’s Fair, marking the beginning of his international acclaim.

Post-War Innovations and Major Commissions

After World War II, the French government commissioned Maxime Old to create furniture ensembles for various state institutions, including the Minister of Finance and the French legation in Helsinki. His designs from this period are celebrated for their refinement and elegance, often characterized by mahogany and woven cane. One of his notable projects was furnishing the Hôtel Marhaba in Casablanca in the 1950s, showcasing his ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

Influence and Legacy

Maxime Old’s influence extended beyond individual furniture pieces. He played a crucial role in transitioning from the Art Deco style of the 1930s to modern design. His innovative use of materials, including metal in the 1960s, and his dedication to functional yet artistic design positioned him as a forerunner. Yves Badetz, chief curator at the Orsay Museum, praised Old’s work for combining the rationality of Bauhaus with Ruhlmann’s perfectionism, resulting in refined outlines that anticipated future design trends.

Teaching and Mentorship

In addition to his design work, Old contributed significantly to education in decorative arts. He served as the vice president of La Société des Artistes Décorateurs and taught at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs. His teachings influenced a new generation of designers, ensuring that his principles of precision and elegance were passed on.

Masterpieces in Rouen

Among Old’s most significant projects were the interior designs for the Council Hall and the Halle aux Toiles in Rouen. These spaces, completed in the 1960s, remain largely intact and showcase his mastery of detail and innovative use of materials. The Council Hall, with its laminated plates and bronze relief panels, and the Halle aux Toiles, with its vaulted ceiling and vibrant colour schemes, stand as testaments to Old’s visionary approach to interior architecture.

Continuing the Legacy

Today, Maxime Old’s legacy is preserved and promoted by his son, Olivier Old, who oversees the authentication and reproduction of his father’s designs. The issuance of classic pieces, like those from the Fontainebleau lounge of the SS France, ensures that Old’s contributions to design remain appreciated by new generations. Despite his prolific output, Old’s bespoke approach and avoidance of mass production have kept his work relatively rare and highly valued among collectors and connoisseurs.

Conclusion

Maxime Old’s career exemplifies the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation that defines French decorative arts. His contributions to furniture design and interior architecture have left an indelible mark on the field. As we continue to appreciate and study his work, Old’s legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring value of elegance, precision, and innovation in design.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

Cook, K. (2018, April 27). Maxime Old’s 1960s masterpieces revitalised in Rouen. Wallpaper. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/maxime-old-interiors-1960s-masterpieces-rouen-france

Docantic. (n.d.). Maxime Old (1910-1991) biographie. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://www.docantic.com/en/page/79/maxime-old-1910-1991-biographie

Gura, J. (2015). The Guide to Period Styles for Interiors: From the 17th Century to the Present. United States: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Maxime Old. (2023, March 15). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxime_Old

Morateur. (n.d.). Maxime Old: Spectacular chandelier. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://morateur.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Maxime-Old-Spectacular-Chandelier2.pdf

Wendlandt, A. (2019, October). In with the old. Monocle. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://monocle.com/magazine/issues/130/in-with-the-old/

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