Whimsical Emile Taugourdeau French MidCentury Mosaic Faux Bois Outdoor Garden Table

Details

Description

A whimsical faux bois concrete garden table by Emile Taugourdeau (French, 1917-1989).

This extraordinary outdoor table from France has been … Read more A whimsical faux bois concrete garden table by Emile Taugourdeau (French, 1917-1989).

This extraordinary outdoor table from France has been designed in whimsy faux bois fashion, lending it's organic appearance to resemble that of a tree, combined with colorful mosaic tile-work to create a truly magical Tolkienesque like presence!

Topped with a thick round cast concrete slap tabletop decorated with polychrome fragmented tile mosaic inlay, raised on a naturalistic tree trunk form sculptural base, with rounded frieze and tripod legs designed to appear as limbs, the heavy-duty reinforced concrete is richly carved, sculpted and textured to mimick live edge tree bark. A circular cutout at center allows for optional umbrella use.

A wonderful example of French folk art and fantastical faux bois style, this table is sure to add elegant sophistication, cozy warmth, functional rustic character and Tolkien middle earth hobbit charm to your garden landscape, patio, courtyard, park, or solarium conservatory!

Dimensions:
29.75" High, 45.25" Diameter

The ideal size and proportions for use as a breakfast or dining table, garden ornament, potters bench and more

About the artist:
Émile Taugourdeau (1917-1989), was a mason turned artist who lived in Thorée les Pins, France. In his forties, Taugourdeau left his job due to an injury he received during World War II.

Around 1954 he made an ornament decorated with mosaic to embellish his garden. This was the beginning of a lifetime activity of decorating the garden, then in 1974, Emile Taugourdeau’s duck died, which prompted him to sculpt the duck in cement in order to immortalize it, a venture that ignited a fifteen-year creative passion (or some might say obsession) that thrived over the years, creating sculptures of human figures, bird and animal statue, architectural structures, plants and trees. Taugourdeau made majestic creations for some 35 years, embellishing his yard located on a rural country road with over 300 various sculptures and creating his own 'Zoological Garden' that was open for the public to visit.

Taugourdeau passed away in 1989. His widow continued to take care of the garden and around 2002 the site still could be visited. But when she also had died the garden was no longer cared for and the site became an art environment in decay, overgrown with greenery, his garden fell into disrepair and his artistic pieces began to find their way into the hands of the public. This delightful large garden or patio outdoor table is part of that history.

Condition:
Very good original vintage condition. Wear commensurate with age and use, typical evidence of outside use. Overall exceptionally strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound.

Please note, it is very heavy. The solid reinforced concrete / cement weighs hundreds of pounds. The table comes apart into two pieces, top and base.

Professional shipping / Delivery available.
Pickup available near Dallas, Texas

Additional keywords:
Organic natural realistic trompe-l'œil optical illusion art simulated wood cement outside table landscape backyard pool middle-earth lotr hobbit elvish mid-century modern brutalist shabby chic farmhouse flower potting work stand garden dining table shattered arranged ceramic tiled See less