Biography

Lucien Gaillard, France (1861-1942)

Lucien Gaillard arises from silversmiths’ family: His grandfather, Amédée Alexandre Gaillard (1811-1882), established in Paris in 1840 a company of art jewelry, situated in 107 rue La Boétie, which he had transmitted to his son Ernest (1836-1909).
Lucien formed as apprentice by his father, Ernest Gaillard, from 1878 and takes in 1892 the direction of the Parisian establishment.
He becomes member of the Trade association of the jewelers and silversmiths.
Contemporary of René Lalique, Lucien was marked at first by his work which he found stimulating. In 1900, his creations are distinguished during the World Fair, where he receives Grand Prix in his speciality. Seven years earlier, he was already a member of the jury of the exhibition of Chicago.
In 1902, he is made chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
From 1904, his production of works of art is going to increase. He produces vases, knobs of cane, combs with hair, brooches, counterparts, inspired by floral and animal motives (bee, butterfly, dragonfly, snake, etc.), from stones and from precious metals. As brassworker, he is closely interested in patina, in varnish’s and of course in forms and in alloys of packaging’s.
By 1910, he widens his production to that of the glass. He imagines flasks for houses of perfume as Gueldy, Corday, Callot Sœurs or Violet.
His collaboration with Violet will be active until 1926.