Tribute to Michel Mortier

Michel Mortier is not widely known, but he probably is one of the best French creators nevertheless. Very
precocious, he was 19 when he graduated from School of Arts Applied to Industry. He occupied several prestigious challenging positions such as the Studium of Le Louvre’s commercial gallery, then the decoration
department of « Le bon Marché » in Brussels. At age 24, he took the lead of Marcel Gascoin’s ARHEC (Rational Agency for Housing and Multifamily residential) until 1954. He met Pierre Guariche and Joseph André
Motte with whom he created A. R. P. (Plastic research studio), one of the very first experiences of collective
signature in design area in France.
This was the start of a meteoric career where he became artistic director of la Maison Française 55, designer
for the best French producers (Steiner for seating, Disderot for light fixtures, Meubles et Fonction for furniture), writer for magazines, graphic designer and teacher in almost every French prestigious schools such as
ENSAD, Camondo, School for Applied arts, or the brand new school for product design: ESAG Penninghen).
He also taught in Montreal, Canada.
With his own agency HEIM (Housing, Industrial aesthetic and furnishings) he devoted himself to interior design and obtained the title of architect in 1977 to design beautiful contemporary and minimalistic individual
homes.
This very discreet and uncompromising man received all the awards a designer could dream of : the Silver
medal at the Triennale in Milan (he was 26), Gold Medal (he was 29) and at the age of 38, he won the prize
René Gabriel.
Over the last past 10 years, Gallery Pascal Cuisinier represents his work, as well as the work of Pierre Guariche, Pierre Paulin and Joseph André Motte.
About 20 of the most emblematic and rare pieces of furniture and light fixture will be presented during the
show. Among them, a beautiful set of his most famous seating model edited by Steiner, called « Teckel »,
but also the extremely rare Triennale armchair. The gallery will also show an exceptional set of light fixtures
produced by Disderot in 1950s and Verre Lumières in 1970s.
His work with A.R.P. will not be forgotten either, as well as some very rare chairs from the beginning of the
1950s.