The famous questionnnaire most notably answered by that chronicler of the human condition Marcel Proust in the late 19th century, has come to serve as a penetrating insight into the heart and mind. In the grand tradition of posing the 'Proust Questionnaire' to artists and creative spirits, we invited renowned interior designer - and guest curator of November 2022's Important Design auction in Paris, Jacques Grange to respond. And this is what he came up with...
The famous questionnnaire most notably answered by that chronicler of the human condition Marcel Proust in the late 19th century, has come to serve as a penetrating insight into the heart and mind. In the grand tradition of posing the 'Proust Questionnaire' to artists and creative spirits, we invited renowned interior designer - and guest curator of November 2022's Important Design auction in Paris, Jacques Grange to respond. And this is what he came up with...
O
ne of the pre-eminent interior designers of recent years, Jacques Grange has designed residences for clients including Pierre Bergé, Francis Ford Coppola and Yves Saint Laurent. This month at Sothebys Paris, Jacques Grange has curated Important Design, a live auction that foregrounds his unerring eye for detail and refinement.
From key 20th century designers to modern and contemporary art titans the auction spans a kaleidoscpe of deliciously desirable colour, design and form. There's an Ambassador lounge by Jean Royère, a pedestal table by Hector Guimard and a unique mirror by Claude Lalanne. There are wall lights by Pierre Chareau, a Bookworm book case by Ron Arad and an impressive Black Orgone Stretch Lounge by Marc Newsom. And dozens more names and ingenious designs, from across the decades.
So with this stellar line up of talents featured in the sale what of the man who pieced it all together? Well, in order to answer that question, we decided to get into Jacques' creative outlook with the infamous Proust questionnaire, the 19th century interrogation of the mind, heart and soul... And this is what he came back with...
MARC NEWSON Orgone stretch lounge noire ESTIMATE: 400 000–600 000 € EMILIO TERRY Tapis ESTIMATE: 22 000–26 000 €
What is your favourite virtue? Tolerance
What is the quality you most like in a man? Loyalty and kindness
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Intelligence
What do you most value in your friends? The joy of living
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Impatience
What is your favourite occupation? Watch, Discover
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Harmony
What would be your greatest misfortune? Losing your loved one
Where would you most like to live? On the edge of the Ocean
What is your favourite color? Celadon
What is your favourite flower? All fragrant flowers
What is your favourite bird? A swallow
Who are your favorite poets? Arthur Rimbaud, Louis Aragon
Jean Royère Paire de fauteuils Ambassador ESTIMATE: 180,000–240 000€ Claude Lalanne Miroir Végétal ESTIMATE: 120,000–180 000€ Hector Guimard Guéridon ESTIMATE: 40,000–60 000€
Who are your heros of fiction? Zoro and Tarzan
Who are your favourite heroines of fiction? Bécassine
Who are your favorite musicians? Mozart, Cole Porter
Who are your favorite painters? Sandro Botticelli, Pablo Picasso, Piero della Francesca, Édouard Manet
Who are your heroes in real life? Gandhi, Nelson Mandela
Who are your favorite characters in history? Colette, Mère Teresa
What is it that you most dislike? Stupidity and pretentiousness
JEAN-MICHEL FRANK Table basse Aragon ESTIMATE: 100,000–150,000€ JEAN BESNARD Lampe de table ESTIMATE: 3,000 – 4,000€
What gift of nature would you like to have? Breathing underwater
How would you like to die? In the arms of the loved one
What is your current state of mind? Curious
To what faults do you feel most indulgent? Faults in taste
What is your motto? Haut les Cœurs
Who are your favorite designers? Eileen Gray, Jean-Michel Frank, Pierre Chareau, Jean Royère, Ettore Sottsass, Pierre Paulin, Martin Szekely… and many others.
