Press article : An interior by Jules Leleu sold at auction in Cannes - Nice Matin

An interior in Cannes signed by Jules Leleu

On December 30th, Besch Cannes Auction will be selling an exceptional collection of 20th-century French decorative art : the furnishings of an apartment in Cannes, entirely designed and decorated by designer Jules Leleu (1883–1961). From pedestal tables and mirrors to sideboards, chairs and light fixtures, each piece in this rare collection, which has remained in its original setting, was created specifically for this residence.

A major figure in Art Deco, Jules Leleu developed a recognisable style in the 1920s based on pure lines, delicate proportions and the skilful use of noble materials such as rosewood, maple, lacquer and fine marquetry. His aesthetic combines modernity and luxurious simplicity in bright, rigorously composed interiors. Present at the Salon de la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, he made his mark on the international scene at the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts. From then on, commissions flooded in. Private collectors and major institutions alike called on him for his impeccable taste and high standards, and his ability to design entire spaces, from furniture to textiles. The designer worked on some of the most iconic projects of his era: the great ocean liners Normandie, Pasteur and Ile-de-France, the salons of the League of Nations in Geneva, the French Embassy in Washington, as well as vast private residences in Europe, America and the Middle East.

On the auction market, Jules Leleu's creations are now fetching high prices for exceptional pieces. A cabinet was sold for 285852$ on May 20th, 2025 at Sotheby's Paris, confirming collectors' continued interest in his work. A rare example of an interior preserved in its entirety, this ensemble presented in Cannes offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire an authentic décor by one of the great names in 20th-century decorative art.

Nice Matin - December Sunday 14th, 2025 - By Laurence Guidicelli