A large and impressive David Gueron six-branch wrought-iron and glass art deco chandelier, the metalwork and glass designed with stylised rose leaves and flowers; the glass all signed with moulded mark “Degue”. France, c1925-35

Ht.91.5cm/36ins;w.73.5/29.

Verrerie D’art Degué, Compiègne (1926-39)

David Guéron (1892-1950)

• David Gueron, of Turkish origin and a former fighter of the French Foreign Legion, was the founder of the “Cristalleries De Compiegne”.
• In 1926 Gueron founded a new factory, which he called “Verrerie D’Art Degue” and put his full attention on the designing and production of Art Deco luxury art-glass.
• His factory was located on the “Boulevard Malesherbes” and his showroom was on the “41 rue de Paris”.
• Gueron foolishly copied the designs of other successful French glass artists like Daum, Muller Frères and Schneider, the latter taking him to court.
• The lengthily law process (1926-1932), cost both firms a lot of money and financially ruined both companies even though Schneider won the case.
• When the Second World War started David Gueron shut his glassworks and fled France and was last seen in Paris in 1949.
• Today Degué is considered to be one of most successful commercial art glass brands of the Art Deco era, particularly famous for its high-quality lighting fixtures and “marmoreal”