Introduction
If you are a lover of design and art, you have probably heard of Serge Mouille, one of the greatest designers of lighting fixtures in the 20th century. His handcrafted lamps with their distinctive shapes and sculptural quality have become iconic pieces of modern design, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. With the rise of online marketplaces like eBay, collecting Mouille’s pieces has become easier than ever. In this article, we will explore the world of Mouille’s lighting fixtures on eBay, diving into their history, design, and value.
The World of Serge Mouille
Serge Mouille was born in 1922 in Paris and began studying metalworking at a young age. He fell in love with the art of blacksmithing and later became an apprentice to Gabriel Lacroix, a master metalworker. During the war, Mouille joined the Resistance and began to design and manufacture lighting fixtures for his comrades. After the war, he opened his own workshop in Paris and began producing his iconic lighting designs.
Mouille’s lamps are instantly recognizable, with their long, curved arms and angular shades. The pieces are sculptural, almost resembling abstract works of art, but are also highly functional. Mouille designed his lamps to be adjustable, so that the light could be directed where it was needed. The lamps are made from metal and have a sleek, industrial feel that is a hallmark of mid-century modern design.
The Value of Serge Mouille’s Pieces
The demand for Serge Mouille’s lamps has steadily increased over the years, and with it, the value of his pieces on the secondary market. Mouille’s lamps are highly collectible and can be found in the collections of prestigious museums around the world, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
On eBay, Serge Mouille’s pieces can range in price from a few thousand dollars to over a hundred thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the piece. Collectors should be careful to thoroughly research the seller and the item before making a purchase, as there are many fakes and reproductions on the market.
How to Shop for Serge Mouille’s Pieces on eBay
Shopping for Serge Mouille’s pieces on eBay can be an excellent way to add a unique and timeless piece of design to your collection. To get started, it is important to familiarize yourself with Mouille’s designs and the history of his work. This will help you to identify the real deal when browsing listings on eBay.
When shopping for Mouille’s pieces, be sure to read the item description thoroughly and examine the photographs provided. Look for the signature details that make Mouille’s lamps unique, such as the curved arms, angular shades, and adjustable mechanisms. It is also important to check the seller’s feedback and reputation, as you want to be sure that you are buying from a reputable seller.