The January 2002 Session of the Salon du Meuble de Paris Creates The FRENCH LINE

Furniture World Magazine

Imagine it is now the morning of 3rd June 1935 and thousands of NewYorkers are gathering on "pier 88", the brand new pier for the (French Line ). Imagine, just as the statue of Liberty is passed, the loud chorus of horns from hundreds of boats here to welcome the "Normandie". Imagine, this incredible din echoing off Manhattan skyscrapers. Imagine the thousands of hands waving and screams from Battery place and all rooftops. Having left Le Havre on 29th May at 6.25 pm, the liner "Normandie" covered 2971 nautical miles in 4 days, 3 hours and 2 minutes, at a record speed of 29.94 knots. The famous (blue ribbon) (ribbon attributed in those days to the quickest liners) is French again. Floating cathedral, as tall as the Eiffel Tower, the "Normandie" was also the most luxurious, the quickest, the most comfortable, the most elegant, the most modern and the most prized by transatlantic passengers, the jewel of the (French Line). Imagine, Christofle silverware, Louis Vuitton luggage, Raymond Subes bronze and wrought iron crafts, Max Ingrand and Jean Dupas mirrors, Jean Dunand pieces of lacquer ware, chandeliers, Lalique and Jean Perzel wall lamps and standing lamps, furniture by Charlotte Alix, Dominique, Michel Dufet, Paul Follot, André Groult, Majorelle, Jean Pascaud, Eugene Prinz, René Prou, Jean-Maurice Rothschild, Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann, Henri Sénéchal, Louis Sognot et Louis Sue.... Jules Leleu seating, Da Silva Bruhns and Maurice Lauer rugs, Picard le Doux tapestries, Daum glassware....so many names and brands that we always dream about. Imagine now that you are at the heart of the (Salon du Meuble de Paris), in January 2002, within the (French Line) area, and that all these renowned names and famous brands are here, grouped with all of today's professionals, makers and designers, who are familiar with this way of life. Surrounding the exhibition (I'art de vivre au temps du Normandie/ The art of living in the "Normandie" days), the best editions and remakes in the field of furniture, tableware, lighting, textile and floor covering together reveal French Creation in the thirties, as well as a certain state of mind which is still lively and avant-garde. French Line is produced by the Salon du Meuble de Paris Creation and production: Jean-Claude Maugirard. French Line is a protected brand of the French Lines Association.