André Sornay (1902 - 2000)
André Sornay (1902-2000) is a pivotal figure in 20th-century French design and one of the foremost representatives of modern Art Deco. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, he took over the family furniture business at the age of 17, shortly after World War I. It was here that he began to imprint his innovative vision on design, steering the workshop towards more modern lines and avant-garde manufacturing methods. Sornay mastered the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modernism, particularly through his patented assembly techniques, such as clout nails and the tigette method, which ensured exceptional strength and elegance in his pieces. The designer is also renowned for his ability to combine simplicity, functionality, and aesthetics in geometric and refined forms, with a particular focus on color balance. His furniture is not just a work of form but also of function, always considering everyday use and comfort. A member of the Union of Modern Artists alongside iconic figures such as Charlotte Perriand and Robert Mallet-Stevens, André Sornay became an essential player in the evolution of French design. He created pieces that quickly became reference points in the history of 20th-century furniture. As gallery owners in Lyon, we feel particularly attached to his work, not only because of his local heritage but also because his creations perfectly embody the spirit of innovation that has shaped our city throughout the 20th century. His furniture remains timeless, blending the best of artisanal techniques with a resolutely modern vision. We are proud to present his rare pieces
André Sornay (1902-2000) is a pivotal figure in 20th-century French design and one of the foremost representatives of modern Art Deco. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, he took over the family furniture business at the age of 17, shortly after World War I. It was here that he began to imprint his innovative vision on design, steering the workshop towards more modern lines and avant-garde manufacturing methods. Sornay mastered the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modernism, particularly through his patented assembly techniques, such as clout nails and the tigette method, which ensured exceptional strength and elegance in his pieces. The designer is also renowned for his ability to combine simplicity, functionality, and aesthetics in geometric and refined forms, with a particular focus on color balance. His furniture is not just a work of form but also of function, always considering everyday use and comfort. A member of the Union of Modern Artists alongside iconic figures such as Charlotte Perriand and Robert Mallet-Stevens, André Sornay became an essential player in the evolution of French design. He created pieces that quickly became reference points in the history of 20th-century furniture. As gallery owners in Lyon, we feel particularly attached to his work, not only because of his local heritage but also because his creations perfectly embody the spirit of innovation that has shaped our city throughout the 20th century. His furniture remains timeless, blending the best of artisanal techniques with a resolutely modern vision. We are proud to present his rare pieces
to our clients, collectors, and enthusiasts, who will appreciate the beauty and functionality of his work.
