PIERRE BARBE (1900-2004) UAM MEMBER From a decoration by the artist for the property of M.Jean Franchomme (textile industrialist) in Wasquehal (Nord), created in the late 1940s. Two pieces of furniture, originally placed on either side of a fireplace, in walnut veneer. Each has a straight part (not veneered) and a quarter-circle part. The fronts each open onto two solid doors. Each interior is fitted with a shelf. Each piece bears a typed label Meuble de l'architecte Pierre Barbe décédé à 104 ans en mai 2024 - Figaro on the reverse of one of the doors. Height: 85cm - Length: 107cm - Depth: 44cm History and provenance: Furniture from a decoration by Pierre Barbe in the late 1940s for the property of M.Jean Franchomme - a textile industrialist in Wasquehal (Nord). From 1947-1948, Pierre Barbe was in charge of refurbishing the Villa Cavrois in Croix after it had been converted into barracks during the German occupation. At the same time, he was commissioned by Jean Franchomme to decorate his house in Wasquehal, on the outskirts of Croix. Paul Cavrois and Jean Franchomme, two textile industrialists from the North of France, probably knew each other. The name of Pierre Barbe, chosen to undertake work on Mallet-Stevens's villa in Croix after the architect's death in 1945, may have been suggested by Paul Cavrois to Jean Franchomme.