Maison Lacloche, l'Ecole Van Cleef Arpels

I was feeling audacious last night and tried my luck painting one of the most stunning pieces of JEWELRY I've ever seen in the jaw-dropping exhibition at L'ECOLE VAN CLEEF ARPELS.

I'm simply going to quote off their website the background story, but if you're in Paris between now and December 20th GO SEE THIS. 

Two and one half years of research. 

Reaching out to collectors, merchants, auction experts and museums all around the world.

 

This chronological exhibition evokes the two main periods in the history of the Maison, that of the Lacloche Frères and Jacques Lacloche. 

Through jewelry, clocks, vanity cases, archival documents, come and discover the extraordinary retrospective of the Maison Lacloche

One of Paris’ celebrated jewelry houses from the Belle Époque period to the 1960s. 

The Maison Lacloche was founded in 1892 by four brothers of Belgian origin. In October 1901, the daily newspaper Le Figaro announced with great pomp the opening of a branch of Lacloche Frères on the rue de la Paix, one of the French capital’s most prestigious thoroughfares. It was located at number 15 while its competitor Cartier was at number 13.

The Maison Lacloche also attracted the attention of the press during the famous International Exhibition of 1925 that was held in Paris over a six-month period. A lengthy treasure hunt has allowed us to bring together the jewels that Lacloche Frères displayed on their stand during this legendary event. These were found at various locations all around the world in both public and private collections. Visitors can admire a remarkable selection of bracelets, brooches, clocks, and boxes that dazzle by their elegance and their refined artisanship. 

For three decades, the creations signed by Lacloche Frères were especially appreciated by royalty and adorned Hollywood stars and aristocratic figures, including the Duchess of Westminster. -However, despite the commercial success and renown, the business eventually floundered. Fernand Lacloche, alone at the helm, and especially his sons, were addicted to gambling. They squandered such a fortune on the green baize of casino tables that the family business was liquidated in 1931.-The adventure, however, did not stop there. Jacques Lacloche, the son of one of the four brothers, had been employed in the family business since the age of 18 and started a jewelry business under his own name. He began by renting a showcase at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes.

In 1938, he opened a shop on the Place Vendôme in Paris, then another on the Croisette in Cannes. He ran a successful enterprise for thirty years. -Increasingly passionate about contemporary art, he eventually abandoned the world of jewelry to found a design gallery, in 1967.From October 23 to December 20, at L’ÉCOLE VAN CLEEF ARPELS. 31 rue Danielle Casanova, 75001 Paris. Free admission / Monday-Saturday / 12pm-7pm When you read this I will be in recovery from 'browsing' chocolate jewels at LA SALON DU CHOCOLAT 🍫opening tonight. Thanks for reading and sharing Parisbreakfast. Subscribe and get letters 💌 sent from Paris every month 📮in my Etsy shop. With love ❤️Paris Xxx🍫🐻