The Art Deco Glass Objects by Serge Roche, 1930s
Serge Roche, an eclectic artist, symbol of an irreplaceable era.
Serge Roche, born in France in 1898, was an eclectic artist, although he would be best defined as an interior decorator. He was also a remarkable antiquarian, sculptor, designer, and organizer of significant exhibitions.
His studio, located at 125 Boulevard Haussmann, served as a global hub for decades, attracting the elite of the Parisian and international artistic community. In
1925, Roche participated in the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, collaborating with the Manufacture de Sèvres to create a 16m² porcelain panel themed on the Earthly Paradise.
By 1934, he had developed a unique style that became the focus of his first exhibition, featuring mirrors and ‘mirror and glass objects.’ He combined two techniques: oxidation and eglomization.
Enjoy a selection of these stunning creations.
Obelisque in oxidized glass, with a crystal ball on top, by Serge Roche, 1933.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
Verre églomisé and oxidized glass.
Verre églomisé is a French term for applying and gilding glass to produce a mirror finish. This technique also involves the intriguing process of embedding foreign materials within glass paste, adding a layer of diversity to the art form.
The name verre églomisé is a tribute to the 18th-century French decorator and art dealer Jean-Baptiste Glomy, who played a pivotal role in its revival.
When a glass appears hazy and has an Etched look, it is called oxidized. Oxidation is typically seen as a flaw but can be creatively harnessed. Roche’s innovative approach to using oxidation in eglomized glass led to unprecedented results.
To start, you can enjoy a series of his famous glass obelisks, which are his signature art objects.
Obelisque, by Serge Roche, 1936.
Obelisk in oxidized and eglomized glass.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
Obelisque by Serge Roche, 1938.
Obelisk in oxidized and eglomized blue glass.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
Paire d’obélisques en verre églomisé by Serge Roche, 1935. Pair of obelisks in eglomized glass.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
Vase “Médicis” in oxidized mirror, by Serge Roche, 1934.
One sample was sold to Princess Aga Khan.
Mirror table with stuccoed lion’s feet by Serge Roche 1939.
Guéridon (pedestal table) in oxidized glass and gilded stucco wood by Serge Roche, 1936.
Mirror table with stuccoed lion’s feet by Serge Roche 1939.
A Serge Roche wrought iron table in the oxidized mirror and glass columns, 1932. Custom made for the Countess of Polignac.
Backstage with the obelisks at the collector’s house, Paris, 2005. Suddenly, a ray of sunshine illuminated the obelisks, highlighting their shifting luminescence.
Two unbelievable masterpieces.
Before highlighting some fascinating non-glass art objects, we are proud to present two exceptional masterpieces created by this truly unique artist.
The first is an eglomisé octagonal mirror framed by panels featuring mythical creatures. The craftsmanship, a piece of history, was likely done by Max Ingrand in 1933 for the Maison Serge Roche.
The second object is a highly intricate mirror fireplace, crafted in 1934 by Serge Roche. This unique work was commissioned by Mr. C. Suydam’s residence in New York City.
“Eglomized” octagonal mirror framed by panels featuring mythical creatures by Maison Serge Roche. The craftsmanship was likely done by Max Ingrand in 1933. The Eglomization technique consisted of embedding foreign elements in the mirror’s glass paste, producing an endless array of variations. Collection Laurent Marechal.
Detail of a mythical animal from an Art Deco mirror by Max Ingrand for Serge Roche, 1933
Detail of a mythical animal from a mirror by Max Ingrand for Serge Roche 1933
A highly intricate eglomisé mirror fireplace with a shell on top, crafted in 1933 by Serge Roche as a unique piece for Mr. C. Suydam’s Cutting in New York City.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
A highly intricate eglomisé mirror fireplace with a shell on top, crafted in 1933 by Serge Roche as a unique piece for Mr. C. Suydam’s Cutting in New York City. Front detail.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
A highly intricate eglomisé mirror fireplace with a shell on top, crafted in 1933 by Serge Roche as a unique piece for Mr. C. Suydam’s Cutting in New York City. Side detail.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
A highly intricate eglomisé mirror fireplace with a shell on top, crafted in 1933 by Serge Roche as a unique piece for Mr. C. Suydam’s Cutting in New York City. Corner detail.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
Serge Roche’s works with materials other than glass and mirrors.
The last part of this story introduces you to Serge Roche’s works with materials other than glass and mirrors.
At the end, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of Roche’s work, spanning from his creation of art objects to his furniture designs.
However, Roche’s artistic repertoire extended far beyond glass and mirrors. He was a versatile artist, known for his work as a decorator and organizer of major exhibitions and events in France, Europe, and the United States.
For instance, Roche undertook a monumental project, spending five years to furnish and decorate the Chateau de Chalins, owned by the billionaire actress Ganna Walska.
A wooden cabinet decorated with scagliola motifs.
The surrealist-inspired drawings were made by Ismaël de la Serna for Serge Roche. 1936.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
A wooden cabinet decorated with scagliola motifs.
The surrealist-inspired drawings were made by Ismaël de la Serna for Serge Roche. 1936.
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
Serge Roche iron floor lamp stuccoed in white, crafted in 1935 by Gilbert Poillerat
Serge Roche’s Atlas-shaped stucco column 1933
Paris, collection Laurent Marechal.
Copyright, Links and credits
Roberto Bigano copyrights all photographs.
LINKS:
There is very little content on Serge Roche on the web. The richest page is Wikipedia, but it is only available in French.
Serge Roche, Wikipedia, French Only
Serge Roche on Galerie Marcilhac
Patrick Mauriès – Serge Roche – 2006. Book in French
Erge Roche Style Antiqued Mirror Octogonal
