Les Salon des Artistes Decorateurs
October 20, 2010The Société des Artistes Décorateurs was created in 1901, reflecting the growing importance of fine and applied arts in France. From the outset SAD was committed to the promotion of high-quality French craftsmanship, cabinetmaking, and satisfying the taste of an affluent urban elite. In addition to exhibiting the decorative arts in other contexts, the Société organized Salons which by the 1950s became one of the primary forums for exhibiting modern creation by young designers.
During the post war reconstruction period, there was a movement to explore the use of new materials and techniques with the goal of producing furniture in series. Industry became the collaborator in this mission and the Salons became sponsored by the producers of new materials such as formica, plywood, aluminum, and steel. Furniture designers like Pierre Guariche, Joseph Andre Motte, Rene Jean Caillette, Jean Prouve, Charlotte Perriand, and Antoine Philippon and Jacqueline Lecoq presented prototypes and new environments
Decorative arts, including textiles and ceramics, were also presented by artists. At this time, along with the Salon des Arts Menagers (which showed furniture but also other household products), the Salon des Artists Décorateurs reflected the growing interest in modernity in France.
We, the creators, had a mission to utilize these materials in our models (Jacqueline Lecoq)