3.20.2011

mathieu matégot

Mathieu Matégot
"Port-revue, tole preforée"
1955

I have to admit,
that I have never been the biggest Matégot fan.
Why?
1. It doesn't show up that often in the US, 
so I don't get to handle much, 
which can lead to an 
under appreciation (or ignorance) sometimes.
2. He was a prolific designer,
design wise, so I feel there are as many, if not 
more, average to below average designs by him.
3. The pieces have kind of a light, flimsy feel to them,
which is not really my style....
4. I hate anyone who has 2 Ms in their name.
I know, seems unfair, but there I said it.

Seriously though,
as you can see from the side table above,
when he is on, he is on.
All he needs, needed is/was a
good editor.
(Kinda like me!)

Mathieu Matégot
circa late 40s

Mathieu Matégot
"Kyoto" table
1954

Mathieu Matégot
"Nagasaki" Chair
1954

Mathieu Matégot
"Féritin" Chair
1952

Mathieu Matégot
"Satellite" Lamp
1953

Mathieu Matégot
"Bagdad" Lamps
1954
This is a really great lamp,
so great I had to show it 3 times.
Unfortunately,
a lot of people feel the same 
and it has been knocked-off,
copied, and faked, so buyer beware.
I have seen the fakes and they are good,
but the craftsmanship just isn't the same.
(It is hard to weld perforated metal.)
Patina, old sockets and cords are easy to add, 
so go with your gut if you are lucky enough 
to see one for sale.
Then sell it to me....

Mathieu Matégot
"Santiago"Lustre
1954

Mathieu Matégot in a 
"collection privée".

Mathieu Matégot in a 
"collection privée".

Mathieu Matégot in a 
"collection privée".

Mathieu Matégot 
Exposition
Villa Noailles
Hyeres
2002

Mathieu Matégot 
Exposition
Villa Noailles
Hyeres
2002

Mathieu Matégot 
Exposition
Villa Noailles
Hyeres
2002

Mathieu Matégot 
Exposition
Villa Noailles
Hyeres
2002

Mathieu Matégot 
Exposition
Villa Noailles
Hyeres
2002

Mathieu Matégot 
"Kangourou" table
1954
That small table fits in the hole, 
I mean pouch.
Get it?

Mathieu Matégot
circa late 50s

More
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8 comments:

  1. amazing post! Mategot is so good, Baghdad lamp is one of my favorites.

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  2. with you on the double M's

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  3. Damn my maiden name is double M' oh well just that kinda mom. The tables do seem a bit heavy.

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  4. thanks andrew.
    i know someone with a double P.

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  5. Simplicity is the result of the profound editing of everything available to a trace. Mategot is a master at that.
    As for quality: try finding a welder to restore a Mategot piece without creating a disastrous hole on it. The origami quality is deceptively simple.
    The pieces also have an entertaining quality to them. A drink brought to a terrace on a Mategot cart is always a subject of conversation.

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  6. Mategot may have been one of the most artistic designers of the 50's. The kangaroo table and satelite suspension lamp are 2 pieces of French design unmatched in this era. His works are almost a calm version of Calder sculptures. Very playful at times. I hope one day he achieves the platform that Mouille and Perriand have achieved. prouve will always sit at the top. I am a big collector of his work. bryan

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  7. I am also fan of his work, I 've found some modest pieces of his works on flee market in south of france...

    ReplyDelete