Camille Fauré

Book excerpt: It is very hard not to be seduced by the allure and magic of the enamels of the Art Deco period, particularly by the art that came out of the Fauré workshop: whether blooming flowers in their brazen natural state or detailed geometric patterns, it is always a pleasing experience. The hard, shiny surface of enamelled metal, the intensity of its colours, and the technique of sculpting volumes and geometrical forms in the enamel itself - a technique for which the Fauré workshop was famous - are all expressions of the vitality of Art Deco. Limoges has been the centre of enamelling for centuries, with workshops in existence since the end of the 12th century. During the early 20th century the Art Deco style was embraced by enamellers; at the forefront of this style revolution was the workshop of Camille Fauré, which produced some of the finest enamelled art objects of the period. The superb quality of the Fauré creations gave the firm a reputation that has lasted for decades. For Fauré, workmanship was the most important factor in the atelier. Great effort was given to detail, composition and beauty. Time was of no importance. The end product was paramount. If a piece was allowed to leave the Fauré workshop and be offered for sale, one could be sure that it was absolutely perfect. With over 200 colour images of collectors' pieces, Camille Fauré, Limoges Art Deco Enamels, The Geometry of Joy lavishly illustrates the vibrancy and brilliance that emanated from the Fauré Atelier. Painstakingly researched, as well as detailing Camille Fauré's biography, his family life and the history of his famous company, this beautiful book explains many of the enamelling techniques, lists and displays the various vase shapes and illustrates original patterns. A half-century has gone by since Camille Fauré's death, and almost twenty years since the Fauré enamel workshop closed its doors for good. Yet today, Fauré enamels are more sought-after than ever. They are prized for their beauty, for the superb quality of their workmanship and their quintessential embodiment of the Art Deco aesthetic. And at the heart of their unique vibrancy, their bold harmonies of colour and form, their generous volumes and dancing rhythms, lies the essence of the Fauré style: the geometry of joy. Illustrations of over 200 vases and other objects, including those from never-before-seen private collectionsIllustrations of over 200 vases and other objects, including many from never-before-seen private collections Unique insight into Fauré's records, which were kept by the family and artists who worked at his studio 320 col., 45 b.&w.