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Career change proves fruitful for Jean Royere

At the young age of 29, Jean Royere resigned from a posh position in the import-export trade industry and decided to become an interior designer. This Frenchman had a sense of humor about his designs.  He followed closely after the works of Jean Pouve and Charlotte Perriand.  In 1934, Royere opened a design studio in Paris and was soon designing for King Farouk, King Hussein of Jordan, and the Shah of Iran to name just a few.  

Today, Jean Royere is on the minds of many Hollywood collectors. Royere’s whimsical simplicity is refreshing after the era of Bauhaus’ straight lines. We invite you to take a look at his designs and recognize the humor in his furniture; for example, the choices of fur coverings along with his open, light and bright lighting designs.

Self-taught, Royere said all he was trying to do was create a “harmonious spectacle to enchant the eye, rejoice the heart and elevate the spirit.” Thanks Jean Royere, you accomplished your intention!

Royere’s iconic elephant chairs… these recognizable chairs are extremely comfortable!

Image courtesy of: Decor Arts Now

From 1949, this three-seat curved-shaped sofa with a banana-shaped backrest stands elegantly on cylindrical legs. Originally created and called ‘Boule’ (“ball” in French), it is first recorded as being upholstered in off-white wool… you guessed it, resembling a polar bear!

Image courtesy of: Agent of Style

Called “Salon Sculpture”, the sofa and two chairs circa 1955 is a set of three. Made from beech wood and fabric. We love!

Image courtesy of: deSpoke

Who doesn’t love, and recognize, this egg chair? Is made even more fun in this great yellow color! The OEuf’ chair is circa 1950-1959, made from oak and fabric. Dimensions: 25.6 x 25.2 x 28.3 inches.

Image courtesy of: ArtNet

This “Yoyo Lamp” shows Royere’s wide range in design. 

Image courtesy of: Design Gallerist, Galerie Patrick Seguin