French Art Deco & Design Exhibition Captivates Audiences in Riga
Riga, Latvia – A compelling exhibition showcasing the evolution of French design and craftsmanship, from the elegance of Art Deco to contemporary creations, has opened at the Decorative Arts and Design Museum. “Gobelins Colors: Modern Tapestries from the Mobilier National Collection, France” presents a rare opportunity to view pieces rarely seen outside of France, alongside a private collection of Daum Art Deco vases.
A Collaboration Rooted in Textile Art
The exhibition builds upon a successful collaboration initiated in 2018 with the French Mobilier national (MN), the National Furniture Repository, coinciding with the 6th Riga International Triennial of Textile and Fibre Art. This ongoing partnership has fostered a valuable exchange of professional expertise, culminating in this new project that offers Latvian audiences a glimpse into the rich collection, highlighting the collaborative work of designers and artisans.
The National Manufactures: Preserving French Craftsmanship
Since January 1, 2025, significant manufacturing workshops have been consolidated under the National Manufactures, Sèvres and National Furniture Repository (Manufactures nationales, Sèvres &. Mobilier national). This state-administered institution, under the purview of the French Ministry of Culture, encompasses the Gobelins Tapestry Manufactory and Museum in Paris, the Beauvais Manufactory, the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory and Museum, and other specialized workshops. Its mission is to preserve unique collections, restore them, and pass on artisanal skills and knowledge to future generations, serving as a vital cultural heritage site and a key player in the development of contemporary decorative arts and design in France.
Daum Glass and the Esterkin Collection
Alongside the tapestries and furniture from the Mobilier National collections, the exhibition features a selection of Daum Art Deco glass vases from the Esterkin family’s private collection. Leonid Esterkin acquired his first Daum Art Deco vase with a geometric pattern without prior knowledge of the company’s history, sparking a passion that led to the creation of a remarkable private collection. He is pleased to share this collection with the Latvian public.
The Legacy of Daum
Founded in 1878 by Jean Daum, the Daum crystal studio in Nancy, France, rose to prominence under his sons, Auguste and Antonin Daum. Daum gained recognition at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris, competing with Gallé glass and eventually becoming a leader in French decorative glass during the Art Deco period. Daum also collaborated with furniture and metalware designer Louis Majorelle, who created mounts for vases and lamps. In the 1960s, Daum commissioned artists like Salvador Dalí and César Baldaccini to design glass pieces.
Art Deco and Contemporary Design
The exhibition showcases works by notable French designers, artists, and architects, including Leoneto Capiello, Raoul Dufy, Jean Lurçat, Sonja Delaunay, Victor Vasarely, Sylvain Dubuisson, and Philippe Starck. The exhibition demonstrates the enduring importance of handcrafted work and the creative synergy between craftspeople and designers. The 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris played a pivotal role in establishing Art Deco as a significant style, characterized by bold patterns, clean lines, and aerodynamic designs that influenced architecture, furniture, and fashion.
Exhibition Details and Accompanying Program
The visual concept for the exhibition was created by Latvian designer Artūrs Analts. In parallel with the exhibition, a program of lectures, discussions, and creative workshops will be offered to promote public understanding of the design industry and crafts. The exhibition is supported by the State Cultural Capital Fund, Rietumu Bank, and the Future Support Fund, with the participation of the French Institute in Latvia and the French Embassy in Latvia.