Rating and value of furniture, armchairs and tables by Jules Émile Leleu
Key takeaways
- Jules Émile Leleu (1883–1961) was a leading 20th-century interior designer and a master of Art Deco, whose works are steadily increasing in value on the international market.
- His armchairs, particularly the “polar bear” model, are highly sought after; a cabinet from 1958 sold for 499,650 euros at Sotheby’s in 2023.
- The prices of his works vary considerably: from 30 euros for a drawing to 130,000 euros for a cabinet, with storage furniture sometimes exceeding 499,650 euros.
If you own a work by artist Jules Émile Leleu or based on his work and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Rating and value of the artist
During the 20th century, Jules-Émile Leleu was one of the most talented decorators of his time. Since then, his value has risen steadily. As a result, he has become a firm fixture on the international art market. Highly prized by collectors, his armchairs are the most popular on the market, particularly the polar bear model. As a result, a piece of Jean Royère furniture can fetch thousands of euros at auction, as evidenced by his cabinet 4930 dating from 1958, adjudged €499,650 at Sotheby's in 2023, whereas it was estimated at between €59,290 and €83,270.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Type of work / piece of furniture | Result |
|---|---|
Drawing - watercolor | From €30 to €2,100 |
Lit | From €100 to €16,000 € |
Lighting | From €10 to €19,700 |
Chair | From €50 to €28,000 |
Armoire | From €300 to 130,000€ |
Storage cabinet | From 200 to 499,650€ |
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The artist's creations and style
Jules Leleu is part of the Art Deco movement, characterized by complex curved lines, superimposed forms, rectilinear geometry, the use of wood - sometimes lacquered - sometimes in marquetry, and the use of gilded metal elements.
Jules Leleu, emblematic Art Deco designer
Jules Émile Leleu was born in 1883 in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
His father was the founder of a painting company, and Jules Leleu came to work there, creating a department dedicated to decoration in 1910. During the First World War, he was mobilized among the French troops, which interrupted his career. Wounded twice, he was imprisoned in Germany, and did not resume his activities until the end of the war, in 1918, when he was released. Together with his brother, he acquired a mansion in Boulogne-sur-Mer, where he exhibited his creations. He then moved to Paris. In 1925, he won a grand prize at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs Industriels et Modernes for a dining room he designed. Like many decorators of his time, he fitted out liners, notably the Atlantique and the Normandie. He worked for Prince Pierre of Monaco and also designed part of the United Nations Office in Geneva.
At the end of the Second World War, the designer became even more famous and in demand on the Art Deco decoration and furniture manufacturing market.
In 1973, after years rich in commissions and production, Maison Leleu was forced to close its doors when designer furniture reached its peak.
His great-granddaughter revived the house name in 2017 when she relaunched rug production, originally initiated by Jules Leleu's daughter.
The furniture designer died in 1961 in a car accident.
Jules Leleu's imprint on his period
The decorator marked his time with his refined spirit and unique style. He decorated the apartments of important figures of his time, both in France and in the United States. His talent was sought after by major clients, and the artist enjoyed a prosperous career. Today, his works are still appreciated on the auction market and his stock is on the rise.
Recognizing Jules Leleu's signature
Jules Leleu doesn't always sign his works. That's why, if you think you own a piece by the artist, it's important to have it appraised to be sure of its originality.
Expertise your property
If you own a work by Jules Leleu, please feel free to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your work.
If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each piece.
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Works from the same period sold at auction
Estimated 1 500 € - 2 000 €
Attributed to Jacques ADNET (1900-1984) Chest of drawers with wood structure and base sheathed in black saddle-stitched leather and imitation leather.
Estimated 3 000 - 5 000
Gaston SUISSE (1896-1988), Engraved polychrome lacquer panel on tortoiseshell lacquer background.
Estimated 1500 - 3000€
René Coutelle (1927-2012), console, dove model
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Frequently asked questions
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Who was Jules Émile Leleu, and what was his artistic background?Jules Émile Leleu (1883–1961) was an iconic designer of the French Art Deco movement. After establishing an interior design department within the family business in 1910, he established himself as one of the most talented interior designers of the 20th century, winning a Grand Prix at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in 1925. Notably, he designed the interiors of prestigious ocean liners such as the Normandie and worked for high-profile figures in both France and the United States.
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What is the current market value of Jules Émile Leleu's furniture?Jules Leleu’s market value continues to rise, and he has established himself as a sure bet on the international market. His works vary considerably depending on the type of object: drawings and watercolors range from €30 to €2,100, while storage furniture can fetch up to €499,650. His armchairs—particularly the “polar bear” model—are among the most sought-after by collectors.
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How can a work attributed to Jules Émile Leleu be authenticated?Jules Leleu did not always sign his works, which makes authentication essential. We recommend that you submit your piece for a free, no-obligation appraisal by our state-certified experts and auctioneers. Our team will analyze your piece and provide you with a reliable assessment of its authenticity and market value within 48 hours.
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Is this the right time to sell a work by Jules Émile Leleu?Yes, this is an excellent time to sell. Jules Leleu’s market value has been rising steadily for several decades, and his designs remain in high demand among international collectors. The Art Deco market remains vibrant, and his furniture pieces, in particular, are safe bets that sell well at auction.
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How does the appraisal process work at Auctie's?The appraisal is free, with no obligation, and is conducted by our experts and certified auctioneers. Simply fill out our online form with the details of your artwork; a member of our team will contact you to conduct the appraisal and provide you with an estimate of its market value. If you’re interested in selling, our specialists will advise you on the best options for getting the best possible price.
