Charles Dudouyt Art Deco Dining Table in Oak

Charles Dudouyt, dining table, oak, 1940s, France.

Created by the French designer Charles Dudouyt, this well-designed dining table is architectural in its structure and alludes to the stylistics traits of the artistic Art Deco movement of the 1940s. The surface features a rhomboid pattern formed by alternating placements of diamond-shaped oak veneer with varying tones of dark and light, as well as distinct grain patterns. The trestle legs are very sculptural with spherical ornaments which is another strong characteristic of the work by Charles Dudouyt.

Charles Dudouyt (1885-1946) was a French artist and furniture designer. Dudouyt completed his art studies at the l’École Germain Pilon in Paris, which is nowadays known as the ‘École des Arts Appliques’ (ENSAAMA). Soon after graduation, Dudouyt started his carreer as an artist. He earned a living by making illustrations for the French publisher Calmann-Levy and the satircal anarchist magazine ‘l’Assiette au Beurre’. As many of his French compatriots, Dudouyt was send to war as a soldier during World War I. After the German capitulation in 1918, he returned home and started designing floor lamps, shades and various decorative items, some of them he designed together with his wife. After two years he established a furniture manufactory in Pontoise, near Paris. It was called ‘l’Abeillée’, and here he produced furniture in a rustic yet fashionable design. In 1933, after moving to Paris, Dudouyt founded ‘La Gentilhommière where he opted for a more contemporary style. Soon after World War II, Dudouyt, who was a widely celebrated furniture designer in France by that time, passed away. His son Jacques took over the manufactury which was up and running until 1960. Dudouyt is particulary known for his Art Deco designs, often using playful geometries and construction methods, and the use of high-quality solid oak, preferably quarter sawn. His usage of an honest approach to simple materials such as wood, reminds of the robust Arts and Crafts Movement. One of his legacies is the fact that Dudouyt modernized the traditional French rustic style of furniture. Furthermore, he made quality design furniture more accessible for the common people and therefore is highly appreciated as interwar and postwar designer. He collaborated with other artists, such as the French sculptor Jean René Debarre (1907 – 1968).

Please note that this item is in good, used condition. There are some water spots visible around the legs of the table. The whole table could use some touch ups. Restoration can be done before shipping by our experienced craftsmen and -women in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized restoration is possible as well.

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