Towards a cultural history of the decorator (Paris, 7-8
Oct 16)

Institut national d'histoire de l'art, INHA, Paris, October 7 - 08, 2016
Deadline: Apr 1, 2016

Towards a cultural history of the decorator (18th -20th century)

International symposium organized by the Institut National d’Histoire
de l’Art and Les Arts Décoratifs, 7-8 October 2016

This symposium will propose a reevaluation of the traditional history
of Western styles from the late 18th to the late 20th century by
examining the figure of the interior decorator. While the
historiography has mostly focused on the logical chain of formal and
technical innovations and the notion of avant-garde, this symposium
will highlight the socio-economical context in which the work of the
decorator was rooted. This approach sheds new light on the visual
culture of certain generations or social groups at a specific moment in
time. It also helps shape the definition of notions such as the
collective gaze (oeil collectif) or visual tolerance, still
under-studied, and provides clues to understanding the alternation of
over-furnishing and soberness. This approach may also explain the
numerous variations regarding, for example, the intensity of colour and
light, or the occupation of space.

To contribute to this cultural history of the interior decorator, this
symposium will give priority to
trans-historical and interdisciplinary proposals over monographic
approaches. Proposals which fit into one of the themes detailed below
will retain our attention:

1 - Identity of the decorator
The decorator is generally associated with the figure of the architect
in the 18th century, with the upholsterer in the 19th century, and the
ensemblier in the 20th century. This session’s aim is to analyze and
perhaps reconsider these categories.

2 - Spaces
This will be the opportunity to think about the complex relationship
between the decorator and the various spaces in which s/he works
(public/private space, scenography, etc.).

3 - Diffusion of the work of the decorator
This session will examine the numerous means available for the
decorator to diffuse and promote his/her work.From pattern books to
magazines, how have these media brought to light the decorator’s work?
To which extent can the descriptions found in literature inform his/her
work?

4 - Fashion-maker or follower?
If the work of the decorator seems to epitomize the tastes of a class
or a social category at a specific moment in history, the relationships
between the decorator and the patron needs to be further examined in
order to evaluate their respective role and responsibility in the
creation and diffusion of a trend.

Proposals in French or English, about 2000 signs (space included)
should be sent by April 1st 2016 to the following
persons:
- philippe.thiebaut@inha.fr ;
- etienne.tornier@inha.fr ;
- sebastien.quequet@lesartsdecoratifs.fr

The papers will be given either in French or English.