Jean Depres
Jean Eugene Gilbert Despres was born in Avallon, France in 1889. His parents opened a small shop jewelry and gift store that Jean grew up in. Despres moved to Paris in his teen years to take an apprenticeship with a silversmith and friend of his father’s. He worked in a workshop in the Marais area and after work he would attend drawing classes in Montmartre. During the war, Despres was employed by the French Air Force drawing and making aircraft parts. When his sister passed away in 1919 he returned home to Avallon to care for his mother. There he set up his own workshop at the back of the house. He began to design and craft pieces in silver. He exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in 1925 to broaden his customer base to Parisians. Then in 1929 Despres met the artist Etienne Cournault and they went on to collaborate together on a series of jewels called ‘Bijoux Glaces’ featuring miniature works of art along with other series that were quite popular. Then in 1936 Despres organized his own exhibition ‘La Femme et l’Art Moderne’, an acknowledgement of the increasing boldness and independence exhibited by modern women. He met and married Simone Delattre in 1937 an artist herself. Jean Mayodon a friend partnered with him and created ceramic jewels to add to his pieces called ‘Bijoux Ceramique’. Despres’ popularity and success meant he was able keep working during the war and by 1943 he was featured alongside Raymond Templier. Despres also made a wide range of silver tableware such as tea sets, vases, flatware, condiment sets and candelabra. Despres worked through the late 1960’s and early 70’s only to retire in 1977 at the age of 88 when he closed his workshop. He died in 1980 in Avallon, France
