| Book Review |
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Edgar Brandt:Master of Art Deco Ironwork |
By Joan Kahr |
| Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 100 Fifth Avenue, N.Y., 10011, 240 pages, 232 illustrations, $60 hard cover |
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| Part of the mystique and charm of Paris lies with its architecture, and Edgar Brandt certainly embellished the City of Lights with his great works of iron. From Paul Poiret's house of couture to the Au Bon Marche department store to the Louvre, Brandt's work is in full view for the world to see - no admission fee necessary. Released in April, this book is the first to focus on the world famous Art Deco ironsmith.
Brandt (1880-1960) is credited with creating "an entirely new aesthetic for the medium of wrought iron" that epitomizes Art Deco style. The author stresses that Brandt was a virtuoso at using several materials, often combining wrought iron with bronze or steel and patinating with gold and silver. During his day, the craftsman operated a large showroom in Paris, offering everything from grilles and fire screens to lamps, doors and tables.
Kahr not only conducted extensive interviews with the family, but Brandt's son, Francois, writes a glowing introduction to the book, noting the author's enthusiasm for his father's work: "Relying on her considerable artistic sensibilities, her vision, and her style, she has been able to analyze his work in such a way as to allow its spirit to be revealed and explained. She has done honor and justice to my father's memory." Edgar Brandt also contains numerous illustrations, 60 in full color, and rare period photographs.
Kahr has a master's degree in European decorative arts and specializes in early Twentieth Century design. She has been a regular contributor to Metalsmith magazine and has lectured specifically on French ironwork.
- Amy D'Orio
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