Léon Jallot was a French cabinetmaker who, just as modernism was gaining steam, preferred the pared-back elegance and traditional techniques associated with the design of French Provincial furniture and other styles that took shape prior to the 20th century.
While decorative flourishes and ornamentation were prominent in the Art Nouveau style of his time, Jallot advocated for the simple merits of good craftsmanship. He was a true woodworker, creating striking armchairs, cocktail tables and cabinets in oak, ash and pearwood that have a stately, architectural quality.
Jallot was born in Nantes in 1874 and started working with wood to create sculptural furniture when he was very young. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and began working at the store of Parisian entrepreneur and art dealer Siegfried Bing in 1898. Jallot soon assumed the role of Art Nouveau director at Bing’s storefront. He helped coordinate and oversaw Bing's exhibit at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1900.
Jallot left Siegfried Bing’s employ in 1901 to become a founding member of the inaugural Salon of Société des Artistes Décorateurs. The organization was established to sponsor annual salons and encourage an interest in the fine arts and design. In 1903, Jallot also opened his own decorating workshop, where he worked on everything from furniture and decor to upholstery and textiles. He exhibited at the Salons of Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts in 1908 and the Salon d'Automne in 1919.
Jallot introduced his son, Maurice Jallot, to the cabinetmaking business in 1921. Maurice took after his father in the impressive skills and passion that he developed for design, and the two became partners. They exhibited several of their commissioned pieces together at 1925’s International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris — the art fair that introduced the Art Deco style to the world.
Jallot retired in the 1940s, and Maurice carried on the business until the end of the decade.
Today, some of Léon Jallot's pieces are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His furniture was also showcased at an exhibit in 2017 called "The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s" at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
On 1stDibs, find antique Léon Jallot seating, tables, case pieces and more.
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H 84.65 in W 21.66 in D 13 in
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An antique oak and mahogany grandfather clock by W Prior, Skipton with a swan-neck pediment and an attractively decorative arched painted dial with a date and seconds dial. It has a ...
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$3,321Sale Price|20% Off
H 87.01 in W 19.69 in D 9.06 in
Antique Oak and Mahogany Grandfather Clock by W Prior, Skipton
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An antique oak and mahogany grandfather clock by W Prior, Skipton with a swan-neck pediment and an attractively decorative arched painted dial with a date and seconds dial. It has a ...
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$9,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 94.5 in W 20 in D 8.5 in
French Provincial Oak Clock Case, Carved Motifs, Working, 1920
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H 83 in W 18 in D 11 in
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H 93.31 in W 20.48 in D 11.82 in
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Antique French Provincial Grandfather Clock, Circa 1870-1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French provincial grandfather clock, circa 1870-1880.
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Léon Jallot, Oak Grandfather Clock, France, 1910
By Léon Jallot
Located in New York, NY
An magnificent clock with a floral motif dating from the early 20th century, and created by master ebeniste Le´on Jallot. For an illustration of a similar model, see: Duncan, Alasta...
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Guillerme et Chambron, Tall Oak Clock, France, Mid-20th Century
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Simon Frères, Fine Art Deco Table Clock, France, C. 1925
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Léon Jallot Cabinet, Oak and Ash France, C. 1905
By Léon Jallot
Located in New York, NY
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La Société Gauthier-Poinsignon, Art Nouveau Sculpture Stand, France, C. 1900
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Located in New York, NY
This Art Nouveau tripodal pedestal features intricate relief carvings near the top, as well as a pleasant juxtaposition between the square surface and round lower shelves.
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Charles Dudouyt, Art Deco Oak Pedestal, France, C. 1940
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Polished oak pedestal designed by Charles Dudouyt for La Gentilhommière This tall pedestal by the famous, early twentieth century furniture maker Charles Dudouyt possesses a remarka...
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