Serious art enthusiast Emmanuel de Bayser opens the doors of his Berlin apartment to us. For more than twenty years, this enthusiast has brought together a collection of furniture and ceramics which is impressive to say the least, and all displayed by him in a particularly harmonious fashion. Some pieces are remarkable and our eyes savour them, passing over the curves of ceramics by Georges Jouve, the softness of the Ours Polaire sofa by Jean Royère and the chairs by Jean Prouvé. There’s no doubt about it, it’s the fifties that are the stars of this particular show. Here, Emmanuel de Bayser offers us an inspiring world, where the play on textures responds to a perfect mastery of colour. Impeccable taste and a perfectly created display that he has also applied to The Corner, a Berlin concept store dedicated to men’s and women’s fashion, where the comprehensive collection of big names, such as Céline and Alaia, rubs shoulders with young designers. An unmissable discovery that reflects his world.
High stool, “sliced” feet created by Charlotte Perriand in the 50s. Available in three wood finishes: natural oak, black stained oak, natural American walnut.
Emmanuel, tell us your story?
My history today is on the axis of Paris and Berlin. Two similar but very different cities, with two strong identities! Paris is rooted in a rich past, Berlin is more focused on the future. The French capital is wonderful, because of its culture, its Art de Vivre and its harmony, while Berlin is darker, alternative and constantly changing.
What is The Corner Project and how was it born?
The Corner was born from a place, a space: Gendarmenmarkt. It’s a majestic and charming place in historic Berlin. It is one of those places that strikes you like a thunderbolt!
How do you choose the creators you present at The Corner?
Each creator must have a strong international identity. Then, we have to sell the pieces, we are a shop, not a museum, so the allure and the desirability of the products is paramount.
Tell us about your interest in ceramics?
I had to be interested in it because I had no place for furniture. So I had to find a way of learning more about things I already owned! Hence my passion for collecting and combining them. Ceramics is a world of its own
Where do you spend most of your time at home?
After my bed, probably the bear sofa!
What inspires you about design?
Timelessness, comfort and personality.
What is the object or furniture you are most proud of?
I love Lalanne’s sheep.
What materials and colours do you like to surround yourself with?
I like the contrast of materials, for example the encounter between hot and cold (metal/wood) or hard and comfortable (wood/fabric). Same colour levels, with black and white together or a combination of primary shades.
Who are your design gurus?
I’m self-taught and guru is a big word. I take inspiration from things that speak to me and touch me personally, either immediately or over time. Not in any particular order: Jean Prouvé, Jean Royère, Jean-Michel Frank, Marc du Plantier, Georges Jouve, Diego Giacometti, Joseph Dirand, Jacques Grange, Pierre Yovanovitch, etc.
Have you got any projects in the pipeline?
Yes! A new apartment in Paris and a house perhaps.
Do you have any favourite places to recommend to us?
Yes, lots! In Paris, I love walking down Rue de Lille and Rue de Seine and when I’m in Berlin, I really like the atmosphere of Museum Island and its Chinese restaurant where I often see Angela Merkel who lives nearby!
I had to be interested in ceramics because I had no place for furniture. So I had to find a way of learning more about things I already owned!
High stool, “sliced” feet created by Charlotte Perriand in the 50s. Available in three wood finishes: natural oak, black stained oak, natural American walnut.
The Compas Direction Table by Vitra is a revised re-edition of the design classic from the 1950s.
Photography & Text: Eve Campestrini@thesocialitefamily
Berlin-Paris. Paris-Berlin. Emmanuel de Bayser is accustomed to this geographical balance. Three days here, three days there. In...
The carpet looks very comfortable. Looks like it’s not too hard on the knees.