MAISON MOTTHEAU ET FILS, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

The bronziers Maison Mottheau et Fils exhibited at the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris. The introduction of electricity as a means of domestic lighting during the 1890s allowed firms such as Mottheau, whose speciality was lighting fixtures, to take full advantage of the new decorative possibilities. Frequently working in collaboration with sculptors, the firm produced a wide selection of chandeliers, wall-lights, candelabra and free-standing torchères, combining function with decoration. Commenting on the introduction of electricity at the Exhibition, the Art Journal wrote: "The French Section shows many examples of fine work applied under the new conditions, but we doubt if a more complete success is to be recorded to the credit of any exhibitor than can be conceded to Messieurs Mottheau et fils" (see The Art Journal, The Paris Exhibition 1900 - An Illustrated Record of its Art, Architecture and Industrie, London, 1900, pp. 86-7).