Rating and value of furniture, armchairs and tables by Jules Émile Leleu

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

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.