Entrée to Black Paris Blog

Thursday, February 8th, 2024

Elliott Barnes at the Mobilier National

Cover image: Elliott Barnes sitting on Endless Summer II
© Entrée to Black Paris

In last week's blog post, I announced that a work by architect/interior designer Elliott Barnes had been selected for entry into the design collection of France's Mobilier National.

On February 1, 2024, I attended the inaugural event organized to celebrate the nation's latest acquisitions.

Le Mobilier National is located on rue Berbier du Mets in the 13th arrondissement. It is found almost directly behind the Gobelins Manufactory.

Rear of Les Gobelins Manufactory
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Rue Berbier du Mets street sign
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An historically classified site, it is a rather sober looking building with a modest art deco-like interior.

Le Mobilier National
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Le Mobilier National courtyard
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Event attendees had to climb two flights of stairs to reach the storeroom where the new designs were displayed.

Stairs at le Mobilier National
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Barnes' Endless Summer II was mounted on a low platform near the entrance to the room. It was flanked by a pedestal on one side and a side table on the other, both of which were also new acquisitions for the collection.

Endless Summer II display
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When I arrived, Barnes was engaged in conversation with Marques Hardin, a consultant in the professional art world. Barnes introduced the two of us and immediately, a new avenue of exploration opened for the Entrée to Black Paris blog!

Marques Hardin photographs Endless Summer II
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While Hardin and I chatted, visitors continually approached Barnes and engaged him in conversation.

Elliott Barnes engaged in conversation
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When we were able to talk further, I mentioned to Barnes that I thought I had seen Endless Summer II before. He explained that he showed a similar piece during the AD Intérieurs 2017 show at La Monnaie de Paris.

The bench for AD Intérieurs 2017 was made from vegetal leather. The limited edition (1/8 + 2 AP) created for the Mobilier national is made with synderme, a substance created from leather remnants mixed with paper fibers and latex or another synthetic resin. Both editions in leather and synderme bend the material into undulating waves. The form is held in place with metal rods.

To enter into the Mobilier National collection, a work must be unique or part of a limited series of no more than eight items. Because Endless Summer II is part of a limited series, it meets the criteria for acceptance into the collection.

On Friday, February 2, Le Monde published a full page article on Barnes. The photo that was used for the information card for Endless Summer II can be seen in its entirety in the article.

Elliott Barnes in Le Monde
Image courtesy of Elliott Barnes

From this point on, any official French organization or ambassador can select Endless Summer II for use as decor in an office, residence, or other enclosed space.

CONGRATULATIONS, Elliott Barnes!