PARIS, FRANCE.- On 5 June 2003, Christie’s Paris will offer the eclectic collection from the Parisian residence on the rue du Bac of two of the most famous French interior designers: the late Valerian Rybar and Jean-François Daigre. Like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the art of dance and music, the duo Rybar and Daigre formed the most harmonious association in the field of interior decoration, from the 1960’s until their passing a decade ago. No one has forgotten their prestigious creations for the likes of Patiño, Rothschild or Sao Schlumberger. Wildest fantasy combined with the most modern of comforts. One can recognize instantly the unique, flamboyant style. Nothing was too beautiful or too luxurious for these magicians.
Valerian Rybar et Jean-François Daigre
Valerian Rybar was originally from Yugoslavia and was introduced by his wife Eileen Plunkett to the café society. This led him to create the first decorative scheme for the Patino’s quinta in Portugal. Jean-François Daigre started his career as an assistant to the theatre decorator Jacques Dupont. In the 1950’s he started working for the Christian Dior fashion house. There, he created incredibly luxurious men’s clothes such as otter-skin blazers and bold cashmere dressing gowns with interior lining made of an ancient Indian shawl.
Encouraged by Mr. Dior and the legendary Dior fashion house director, Suzanne Lulling, he was responsible, together with Yves Saint Laurent and Marie Munoz, for designing Dior’s inhouse decor, which varied according to seasons and holidays throughout the year such as Christmas, Easter or 1st May. After the Dior’s death, he continued to work with Yves Saint-Laurent and created, with Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, some unforgettable interiors.
The partnership between the two men began towards the end of the 1960s. They not only became interior designers to the ‘international jet set’, but also created decors for some of the most important balls and high-society events. Many will remember Alexis de Rédé’s oriental ball at the Hotel Lambert and the “Proust” ball at the Château de Ferrières hosted by Marie-Hélène de Rothschild. Jean-François Daigre always managed to realise the Baroness’s wildest dreams.
The Parisian Interiors: Furniture and Works of Art from the rue du Bac
The objects featured in this sale come from Rybar and Daigre’s Parisian residence, a delightful town house entre cour et jardin rue du Bac. This house was particularly famous for its unforgettable famous mirrored sitting room. Among the most spectacular objects displayed in that 1970’s interior were a sumptuous pair of armchairs by Nicolas Quinibert Foliot commissioned by Louise Elisabeth de France, Madame Infante for the Colorno Palace in Parma (estimate: €300,000-500,000). Also of note were a 17th century Italian cabinet in pietra dura (estimate: €100,000-150,000) and a pair of George II console tables (estimate: € 30,000 à 50,000).
The bedroom was decorated with a pair of Austrian military trophies in gilded wood that belonged to British novelist Somerset Maugham (estimate: € 40,000-60,000). In the entrance, a statue of Mercury after Giambologna welcomed the visitor. This Italian-Flemish 17th century sculpture came from the collections of the decorator Georges Geffroy (estimate: €8,000-12,000).
Contemporary and decorative works of art will be offered such as a neo-classical screen attributed to Emilio Terry (estimate: €10,000-15,000). Creations from the 1970s are highly sought after by today’s young collectors and a selection includes works signed by Daigre & Rybar. These items include a steel pedestal table (estimate: €1,000-1,500), alabaster pairs of lamps (estimate: €800-1,200) and a pair of book-cases (estimate: € 4,000-6,000).
A collection of thirty pairs of cufflinks by Schlumberger, Tiffany, Verdura and David Webb will also be offered at Christie’s Paris on 11 June. Estimate ranges from €400 to 600 for a gold enamelled pair signed David Webb to a pair by Verdura included in a lot estimated at €6,000 to 8.000.