CABINET, 20TH CENTURY

Maison Jansen was founded in Paris in 1880 by Jean-Henri Jansen. Until the closing of its 9 Rue Royale headquarters in 1989, the firm collaborated with many talented designers - the most distinguished of whom were undoubtedly Stephane Boudin (1888-1967) and Pierre Delbée (1900-1974) who were to become the most influential tastemakers of the 20th century. Stephane Boudin ruled Maison Jansen from 1936 and 1961 after which he was replaced by Pierre Delbée. Regarded as one of the most prominent interior decorating companies of the 20th century, Maison Jansen's designs ranged from a revival of Louis XV, XVI and Empire styles to modern taste, creating a dialogue between the historical and the contemporary. Some of the firm's most important commissions were for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's residence in Paris, the White House for Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy and the March family residences in Spain.