Architectural modernism, which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, reflects a profound evolution in the way we conceive living spaces. It combines functional rationality, formal simplicity, and the use of industrial materials. In the Lille metropolitan area, this movement found a particularly remarkable expression through the figure of Robert Mallet-Stevens and the emblematic construction of the Villa Cavrois in Croix. Conceived as a synthesis of art, architecture, and design, this residence embodies the ambition of modernism: to create a living environment that is technical, aesthetic, and coherent.

Villa Cavrois: A Modernist Manifesto in the North of France

Commissioned in 1929 by Paul Cavrois, a textile industrialist from Roubaix, Villa Cavrois was designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens as a true Gesamtkunstwerk—a total work of art. It brings together the fundamental principles of modernism: geometric volumes, fluid circulation, abundant light, hygiene, comfort, and furniture integrated into the architecture.


Villa Carvois - Image by Yves Bernardi de Pixabay

Mallet-Stevens designed all the furniture—sideboards, dressing tables, chairs, beds—with the aim of achieving overall harmony. The chosen materials (walnut, sycamore, polished aluminum, brass, Macassar ebony) reflect both industrial modernity and refined craftsmanship.


Robert MALLET-STEVENS (1886-1945)
Set of 4 chairs. Metal, wood. 82 x 52 x 40 cm, circa 1928. Sold for €3,900

The wall sconces in the entrance hall, with their sleek lines in aluminum and ebonite, were created by Jacques Le Chevallier, a key figure in decorative modernism active in glass and metal arts. As for the carpets—essential decorative elements of the original project—they were woven by the national Beauvais Manufactory.


JACQUES LE CHEVALLIER (1896-1987) & RENE KOECHLIN (1888-1972)
Pair of "52" wall sconces. Aluminum, Bakelite. 19.5 x 17 x 17 cm, 1925. Sold for €23,400

The Martel Brothers: Sculpture and Architectural Modernity

For this project, Mallet-Stevens enlisted several regular collaborators, including twin brothers Jan and Joël Martel, sculptors active in avant-garde circles. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and close to the Cubist and Art Deco movements, they developed a streamlined, geometric visual language strongly influenced by architecture. For Villa Cavrois, the Martel brothers created two monumental bas-reliefs flanking the main staircase.


JAN & JOEL MARTEL (1896 - 1966) & (1896 - 1966) PIE, MODÈLE CRÉÉ EN 1926
Magpie, model created in 1926. Bronze with brown and gold patina. Signed "J. Martel", foundry mark "Susse Frs Edts Paris". Sold for €22,700


JAN & JOËL MARTEL (1896-1966)
Swallow, radiator mascot in bronze with brown patina. Mounted on a square base of veined white marble. Sold for €11,000


JAN & JOËL MARTEL (1896-1966) Farman Airplane and Ocean Liner
Two studies for the bas-reliefs of the Tourism Pavilion designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris
Sold for €1,900

Jean Prouvé also contributed to Villa Cavrois as engineer and builder. He was responsible for designing the elevator, aluminum radiator covers, and various integrated technical elements—testifying to his mastery of industrial materials and his essential role in achieving the functional aesthetics envisioned by Mallet-Stevens.


JEAN PROUVE (1901-1984)
Manufactured by Ateliers Jean Prouvé (1903–1999). Rare “Flavigny” dining table, model no. 504 – circa 1941. Sold for €70,400


JEAN PROUVE (1901-1984)
Manufactured by Ateliers Jean Prouvé (1903–1999). Rare and exceptional sideboard, model no. 151. Sold for €72,800

A Challenge: Refurnishing the Villa

After decades of being stripped and altered, Villa Cavrois underwent a remarkable restoration by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. Since its reopening, an active policy of recovering original furniture has been underway, based on Mallet-Stevens' drawings and archival photographs.
This includes acquiring pieces at public auctions when original items or similar models resurface. More broadly, works by designers affiliated with the Union of Modern Artists (UAM)—such as Marcel Guillemard, Louis Sognot, or André Sornay—have resonated strongly with 20th-century design collectors.


LOUIS SOGNOT (1892-1970) & CHARLOTTE ALIX (1897-1987)
Armchair. Steel, fabric, wood. 84 x 55 x 66 cm, circa 1930. Sold for €8,000

Appraisal Days in Lille
By appointment – Contact: boddaert@aguttes.com

02/09 – Collector Watches
04/09 – Old Master Paintings & Drawings
09/09 – Asian Painters
11/09 – Fine Jewellery & Pearls
16/09 – Musical Instruments & Bows
18/09 – Furniture & Decorative Arts – Haute Époque, Carpets
23/09 – Post-War & Contemporary Art
25/09 – 20th-Century Decorative Arts & Design
30/09 – Collector Cars

This calendar is subject to change. Additional dates may be added.
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Upcoming Sales in Preparation
20th-Century Decorative Arts & Design
Sale on September 25, 2025
Sale on November 19, 2025
Aguttes Neuilly