Jean Royère

sanded oak and canvas upholstery

Private collection, Paris

"Décors de Jean Royère", Le Décor d'Aujourd'hui, n. 37, 1946, pp. 44-46

FR : Bon état général. Légère usure de la céruse sur les accotoirs. Une petite marque circulaire légèrement plus sombre sur l’accotoir gauche. Quelques petits éclats de bois, peu visibles en raison de l’aspect général du chêne. L’assise a été re-garnie et est en bon état général. Une des sangles de l’assise est partiellement détachée au niveau du dossier, sur approximativement 2 cm. Cela n’entrave pas la solidité de l’assise. EN : Good overall condition. Light wear on the armrests.A small circular slightly darker mark on the proper left armrest. Several chips of wood, consistent with this type of wood and not visually distractive. The seat has re-upholstered at a later stage and is in overall good condition. One of the strap of the seat is partially untied, on aproximately 2 cm. The armchair remains structurally sound.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

JEAN ROYERE
FROM BEYROUTH TO SAO-PAULO

Astute businessman and traveller, Jean Royère opened a few branches in the Middle East and South America.
In 1946 Jean Royère chose Egypt and its capital, Cairo, to open his first gallery, the city where he received his first commission in 1938. In 1947, with the assistance of the architect Nadim Majdalani, he opened his second gallery in Beirut, Lebanon, eventually opening his third and final gallery in Iran in 1958. Prior to this, in 1955, Royère moved to South America, opening a gallery in Lima, Peru the same year with another in São Paulo, Brazil opening two years later in 1957.

Internationally, Royère was able to seduce his clients. He personally supervised all of his projects, both public and private. This professional conscientiousness, combined with his perfectly mastered world of fantasy, Royère was one of the most brilliant designers of the 20th century.