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Lot Essay
MAISON JANSEN
The firm of Jansen was founded in Paris at 9, rue Royale in 1880 by Jean-Henri Jansen (1854-1928). By the early 20th century, the firm was restricted to producing period interiors that matched the ambitions and tastes of their mainly conservative clientele that included families such as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and King Leopold of Belgium. From 1936, it was the leadership of Stéphane Boudin (1888-1967) that transformed Maison Jansen from the constraints of a traditional decorating house into the most prestigious and in-demand décorateur du jour. It was at this time that Boudin developed the historicist style of Jansen and examples are seen in the influential interiors he created for clients such as Chips and Lady Honor Channon at Belgrave Square, Lady Baillie at Leeds Castle, Mrs Ronald Tree [Nancy Lancaster] at Ditchley Park and at The White House for the John F. Kennedy's. After Boudin's retirement in 1961, the equally talented Pierre Delbeé (1900-1974) assumed the rôle of senior decorator. It was he who established what is known now as the Jansen look: a union of 18th century French hôtel particulier historicism, 1920s timeless Hollywood theatricality and English country house subtlety. His projects included the Elysée Palace, the Shah of Iran's tented palace at Persepolis to celebrate 2,500 years of continuous rule and the Agnellis at La Léopolda, Villefranche-sur-Mer. His advice was sought by one family whose collection was sold 'Boulle to Jansen: An Important Private European Collection', Christie's, London, 11-12 June 2003.
The firm of Jansen was founded in Paris at 9, rue Royale in 1880 by Jean-Henri Jansen (1854-1928). By the early 20th century, the firm was restricted to producing period interiors that matched the ambitions and tastes of their mainly conservative clientele that included families such as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and King Leopold of Belgium. From 1936, it was the leadership of Stéphane Boudin (1888-1967) that transformed Maison Jansen from the constraints of a traditional decorating house into the most prestigious and in-demand décorateur du jour. It was at this time that Boudin developed the historicist style of Jansen and examples are seen in the influential interiors he created for clients such as Chips and Lady Honor Channon at Belgrave Square, Lady Baillie at Leeds Castle, Mrs Ronald Tree [Nancy Lancaster] at Ditchley Park and at The White House for the John F. Kennedy's. After Boudin's retirement in 1961, the equally talented Pierre Delbeé (1900-1974) assumed the rôle of senior decorator. It was he who established what is known now as the Jansen look: a union of 18th century French hôtel particulier historicism, 1920s timeless Hollywood theatricality and English country house subtlety. His projects included the Elysée Palace, the Shah of Iran's tented palace at Persepolis to celebrate 2,500 years of continuous rule and the Agnellis at La Léopolda, Villefranche-sur-Mer. His advice was sought by one family whose collection was sold 'Boulle to Jansen: An Important Private European Collection', Christie's, London, 11-12 June 2003.