…

When my parents newly married, they didn’t have a lot of money. Consequently,  dumpster diving and second hand stores supplied much of the furnishings for their first apartment. And  I still have a couple of pieces they “found”. But one item that I grew up with, and since inherited, is a corner chair (And what we call the “Leaf Chair”).  The frame is curved and shaped like a leaf. (Hence the name of the article.) And the “stem” of the leaf becomes a handle.

…

My mother remembered buying it in the late 1940’s and that it was one of a pair. However, she couldn’t remember much else. For years (to clarify, from about age 10) I searched for the mate with no luck.

,,,

Now, you need to understand that this was the “fancy” chair.  And I’m sure many of you  know what I mean. Subsequently, only guests were allowed to sit on it.

…

But at least there was no plastic slip cover. Or was there? 

…

…

(Side note: In 1973, my mother had the leaf chair reupholstered to freshen it up for my sister’s wedding. The result? With the “veins” of the leaf reversed and misplaced, a complete disaster. But with no time to have it redone, she accepted the outcome.  I still cringe when I look at it. And I usually cover it with a decorative blanket.)

…

I was about 16-17 when new neighbors moved in next door. The Mrs. came over to use the phone and commented on the chair. Hearing from my mother that I was looking for the mate, she said, “I have a set. Is he interested in buying them?”  Subsequently,  $100 dollars poorer, and I own a pair of the chairs in need of a lot of restoration. But they do have their original fabric!

…

And they came with custom leaf chair shaped plastic slip covers, too!  Woo-hoo!

…

Since then, I’ve seen several come up for auction. And what I always thought was a chair from the late 1940’s, early 1950’s may actually be from the 1930’s.  Interestingly, pairs sell online and at auctions in the thousands of dollars.

…

Now that you have a lead up, here’s the driving for deco scoop:

…

…

As America starts to, cautiously, reopen, I’ve been able to go to the Golden Nugget, my local flea market.  A few weekends ago, not expecting much, I found another “leaf chair” with the frame in good condition. But let’s not dwell on the upholstery. The asking price? $50 – it seems to be my price per chair when buying these.

…

Once at home and armed with the internet, I began my research.

…

…

Several reliable sources state these chairs are made in France by Maison Jansen. However, a small quantities also appear as being made in the U.S.  To add to the confusion, furniture by Jansen is not consistently marked. So for our sake, we’ll say mine are attributed to Maison Jansen, circa 1930. The frames are mahogany and the legs are decorated with carved acanthus leaves.

…

And who, or what is Maison Jansen, you ask? Read on.

…

…

Also, the chairs apparently came in a variety of fabric choices. And therefore they are seen in mohair, velvet and and fancy (if not always appropriate) brocades.

…

…

…

Founded in 1880, Dutch born Jean-Henri Jansen’s Paris firm, Maison Jansen, is considered one of the first design firms to go global. It served several countries and continents.

…

…

Lacking a production facility, Jansen’s outsourced his designs to local artisans skilled in classic carpentry and joinery techniques.  His unique designs drew upon current trends applied to classic lines.  Evident in his catalog of work, you can see influences from Japan, Arts and Crafts, and the Turkish style. And later, Art Deco

…

…

Depending largely on word of mouth, his dramatic but functional pieces became an instant hit with clients and critics. Subsequently, his studio gained a reputation for fine craftsmanship and unique designs. Popular and successful in France, his clientele eventually included royalty from England, Belgium, Holland, and Spain.

…

As design references, the company began to purchase European antiques. And by 1890, the firm established a fine antiques gallery selling both antique furnishings and their own designs to the same clients.

…

…

In 1905, the company expanded its’ international reach by opening a branch in Buenos Aires. And the expansion continued over the next 75 years and to 4 continents. Much of the later growth is credited to Stéphane Boudin.

…

Maison Jansen’s continued as a single entity until 1923 when Jean-Henri Jansen partnered with Stéphane Boudin.  It is speculated Boudin was brought on board to infuse much needed capital into the respected, but cash poor design firm.  Also it was hoped his attention to detail and strong design sense would reinvigorate the firm. And it did!

…

…

Jean-Henri Jansen passed away in 1928 and in 1936, Boudin attained directorship. Despite the economic crash of the thirties, Maison Jansen successfully opened offices in London, New York, Prague, Rome, Havana, São Paulo, Cairo and Alexandria. Consequently expanding not only their offices but also their income.

…

…

Recognized as one of the finest interior decorators of his time, he cultivated a clientele of ultra-wealthy and chic clients. For example: the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (hired  to design their residence-in-exile), Coco Chanel’s rue de Rivioli store, and American royalty, Jacqueline Kennedy. Importantly, she hired Boudin to design both public and private quarters in the empire style for the  White House renovation.

…

…

Stéphane Boudin passed away in 1967, succeeded by his long-term collaborator / colleague Pierre Delbée.

…

…

But until he retired, Delbée oversaw Maison Jansen in its top projects.  His successor was Pierre Deshay.

…

By the 1970’s, other firms produced  reasonably priced copies of the  Jansen line. Initially, Deshay tried to reinvent the line into something more streamline.  Unsuccessful, Serge Robin was brought on to take over the contemporary design department,

,,,

He explained in this except from “Jansen: Decorations” (Acanthus Press, LLC):

“Several decade age we worked on mansions…today we do five bedroom apartments.”

…

In 1979 the business was sold to former employees Albert and Paul Ernandez.  Serge Robin’s new contemporary line debuted in 1981. It was met with acclaim and enthusiasm. But their greatest commission was secured in 1986. 

L.O.R.D., as it was now called, was hired to restore the 1950’s Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s home. This led to a resurgence of interest in  Jansen.  And in 1996, the business was rechristened Ateliers Jansen in homage to the founder.

…

But it was too little, too late.  And the great firm Maison Jansen, in all its iterations, closed its doors in 2000.

…

So, it was a lot of fun to find out more about a piece of family history. And learn about a designer new to us.  Stay safe!

…

Chris (One half of the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)