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With so many learned articles already ready written about him, An Introduction to Edgar Brandt is just that.  Think about Art Deco and no doubt an iconic image will come to mind – the Fountain.  And though he regularly used variations of this motif, one of the most enduring is the Oasis Screen.

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William Edgar Brandt was born to Charles Eugène Frédéric Brandt and Besty Emma Bas in Paris, France, 1880. He and his brother, Jules, studied at the Vierzon National Vocational School from 1894 to 1898.  But later, while serving in the military, young Brandt recognized the lack of light and versatile long-range munitions.

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In 1902, Edgar, established his first business specializing in iron work and light weapons. And in 1918, he received a Salon prize for his contribution to the war effort. Then, after WWI he was commissioned to design and execute the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Paris Arc de Triomphe.

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Never shy to collaborate with other artists, he co-produced beautiful chandeliers and lamps with Daum Freres. And as was the “look” of the day, many in the Art Nouveau style. He established himself by incorporating Bronze finishes and often incorporated a floral motif. And by the age of 29, the Ate et Decoration recognized him as a rising star in metalwork.

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By 1924, his company started to produce wrought iron works including grills, gate-ways elevator doors and more. Eventually, household appliances followed. Including lamp bases, screens and chairs. And it was also here that the company produced heavier weapons.

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In 1925, Edgar Brandt was asked to participate in the now famous l’Exposition internationale des Arts décoratifs. He received a commission to create the gates to the entrance hall of the Salon d’Ambassade Francais. And many other works, too. Collaborating with Daum and Lalique company, his exhibit included artistic ironwork, furniture, decorative objects, sculptures and lights.

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Of note was his “Perse” door created in 1923 and part of his installation. The door was purchased in 1924 by The Metropolitan Museum in New York. Due to copyright limitations, I have included a link here for you to view it.

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With this success, Edgar expanded from his showroom in Paris.

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And his second showroom opened in England. Thereafter, he opened “Ferro Brandt” in New York City, New York. This showroom included works from the greatest North American Art Deco designers of the day.

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If you are in New York, you can see a number of his work adorning the façade of buildings.  One such building is The Madison Belmont Building, also known as 183 Madison Avenue built in 1924-1925. It showcases Brandt’s doors and decorative grillwork.

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And doors for an apartment building at 320 East 57th Street.

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The company nationalized in 1936 and Edgar used the profits to acquire several additional mechanical companies. Here, they continued to produced heavy armament such as 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortars originally used throughout World War I. And later, these same armaments were utilized throughout World War II.

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Edgar Brandt remained popular throughout his life times. And especially for the rich and famous who could appreciate and afford his craftsmanship.

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If you want to be part of this elite group, you can snatch up these classic doors for the asking price of a cool $82,926.00!

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He made invaluable contributions to both country and the arts. Therefore receiving such prestigious awards as Knight of the Legion of Honor, and the Medal of Honor for Applied Art by the Societe des Artistes Francais.

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In 1939, he retired to Switzerland and died in Geneva in 1960.

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Chris & Anthony (The Freakin”tiquen Guys)