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Emmanuel de Bayser and the Fabulous Fifties
Serious art enthusiast Emmanuel de Bayser opens the doors of his Berlin apartment to us. For more than twenty years, this enthusiast has brought together a collection of furniture and ceramics which is impressive to say the least, and all displayed by him in a particularly harmonious fashion. Some pieces are remarkable and our eyes savour them, passing over the curves of ceramics by Georges Jouve, the softness of the Ours Polaire sofa by Jean Royère and the chairs by Jean Prouvé. There’s no doubt about it, it’s the fifties that are the stars of this particular show. Here, Emmanuel de Bayser offers us an inspiring world, where the play on textures responds to a perfect mastery of colour. Impeccable taste and a perfectly created display that he has also applied to The Corner, a Berlin concept store dedicated to men’s and women’s fashion, where the comprehensive collection of big names, such as Céline and Alaia, rubs shoulders with young designers. An unmissable discovery that reflects his world.
Location
Berlin
Author
Eve Campestrini
Photos and videos
Eve Campestrini
TSF
Emmanuel, tell us your story?
Emmanuel
My history today is on the axis of Paris and Berlin. Two similar but very different cities, with two strong identities! Paris is rooted in a rich past, Berlin is more focused on the future. The French capital is wonderful, because of its culture, its Art de Vivre and its harmony, while Berlin is darker, alternative and constantly changing.
TSF
What is The Corner Project and how was it born?
Emmanuel
The Corner was born from a place, a space: Gendarmenmarkt. It’s a majestic and charming place in historic Berlin. It is one of those places that strikes you like a thunderbolt!
TSF
How do you choose the creators you present at The Corner?
Emmanuel
Each creator must have a strong international identity. Then, we have to sell the pieces, we are a shop, not a museum, so the allure and the desirability of the products is paramount.
TSF
Tell us about your interest in ceramics?
Emmanuel
I had to be interested in it because I had no place for furniture. So I had to find a way of learning more about things I already owned! Hence my passion for collecting and combining them. Ceramics is a world of its own
TSF
Where do you spend most of your time at home?
Emmanuel
After my bed, probably the bear sofa!
TSF
What inspires you about design?
Emmanuel
Timelessness, comfort and personality.
TSF
What is the object or furniture you are most proud of?
Emmanuel
I love Lalanne's sheep.
TSF
What materials and colours do you like to surround yourself with?
Emmanuel
I like the contrast of materials, for example the encounter between hot and cold (metal/wood) or hard and comfortable (wood/fabric). Same colour levels, with black and white together or a combination of primary shades.
TSF
Who are your design gurus?
Emmanuel
I'm self-taught and guru is a big word. I take inspiration from things that speak to me and touch me personally, either immediately or over time. Not in any particular order: Jean Prouvé, Jean Royère, Jean-Michel Frank, Marc du Plantier, Georges Jouve, Diego Giacometti, Joseph Dirand, Jacques Grange, Pierre Yovanovitch, etc.
TSF
Have you got any projects in the pipeline?
Emmanuel
Yes! A new apartment in Paris and a house perhaps.
TSF
Do you have any favourite places to recommend to us?
Emmanuel
Yes, lots! In Paris, I love walking down Rue de Lille and Rue de Seine and when I'm in Berlin, I really like the atmosphere of Museum Island and its Chinese restaurant where I often see Angela Merkel who lives nearby!
I had to be interested in ceramics because I had no place for furniture. So I had to find a way of learning more about things I already owned!