SCULPTURE RESTORATION PROJECT
Claude (1925-2019) and François-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008)
Camel Couches, 1974
wool and soft leather with aluminum mounted on foam rubber and wooden structure
Each overall (open): 46 x 84 x 65 in.
Each overall (closed): 46 x 84 x 39 in.
Above: Installation image of Camel Couches, 1974 (fully restored) in the retrospective exhibition THE LALANNES (March 18 to July 4, 2010), Museum of Decorative Arts, Paris.
Below: image of Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne with Camel Couches.
In 2009-2010, William Morrow, Director, 21c Museum and Curator for the private collections of Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, collaborated with the Museum of Decorative Arts, Paris, to restore two early and important sculptures by the legendary artists Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. William traveled to Paris to oversee the project. The Camel Couches, 1974, were included in the major retrospective, THE LALANNES (March 18–July 4, 2010), Museum of Decorative Arts, Paris.
Camel Couches, 1974, were acquired at Christie's LIVE AUCTION 1302 POST-WAR AND CONTEMPORARY ART (MORNING SESSION), 12 Nov 2003, for the collection of Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, Louisville, KY.
PROVENANCE
Alexander Iolas Gallery, Paris
François de Menil, New York
His sale; Sotheby's, New York, 5 November 1985, lot 63
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Museum of Decorative Arts, Paris, France
"Decorative Arts presents a major exhibition dedicated to Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. This is the first retrospective in a Parisian museum since their participation in the 1977 exhibition “Artist/Artisan” organized at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Forming one in the eyes of the public, this couple of artists is known for having made nature and animals the support of their creations. Unclassifiable sculptors, Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne have always exhibited together, with the common idea of sometimes giving sculpture a function. From these often hybrid works arises astonishment, amusement, and a poetry borrowed from surrealism guided by the play on words, shapes, and materials. Their work will be shown in multiple aspects, from monumental sculpture to everyday objects. More than 150 pieces are staged by Peter Marino, inviting the visitor to discover the world of Lalanne in the nave of the Museum of Decorative Arts."
Learn more: MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ARTS, Paris
