A house of tradition turned towards creation
Louis Drucker was born in Poland in 1864. In 1865, his family left Poland, fleeing the climate of terror and intolerance imposed by Russia following the January 1863 uprising. Along with ten thousand other Poles, the Drucker family settled in France, first in Alsace and then in Paris. Louis learned the trade of wickerwork in Lyon at Maison Martiné, then completed his training with that of bamboo work. He was a diligent, talented, and imaginative student. After acquiring French nationality, he decided to set up his own business. In 1885, Louis Drucker, with Mr. Leredde, one of Maison Martiné's apprentices, opened a tiny 24-square-meter workshop at 180 rue des Pyrénées in the 20th arrondissement of Paris.
Awards would crown the quality of creations from the Leredde and Drucker company. In the aftermath of the Great War, Mr. Leredde left the company. Louis Drucker took sole control of the house. His wife helped him and contributed her artistic talent by coloring the sketch plates with watercolors, giving each creation a unique tone. In 1919, the first catalog was launched. Orders poured in. The premises became too small. The workshop moved to Béthisy-Saint-Martin in Oise, while the offices remained in Paris.
The History from 1885 to the Present Day
In the 1920s, the rattan industry was at its peak. Maison Louis Drucker was not the only one on the market: Grock, Gatti, Petitot, Minot, Roberty, and Raguet were its direct competitors. Maison Louis Drucker stood out for its consistently high-quality production and its taste for color, essential in the diversification and sophistication of its models. The jacquard weaving of its caning was created by true artists, mostly women, who combined technical prowess with artistic talent.
Rattan became a preferred material for designing all kinds of furniture: floor lamps, mirrors, magazine racks, umbrella stands, hall furniture, beds, headboards... In the 1930s, rattan furniture was severely impacted by the crisis following the 1929 stock market crash. One after another, manufacturers closed their doors. Maison Louis Drucker resisted. On the eve of World War II, Maison Louis Drucker produced 80% of the rattan furniture on the market. Maurice Drucker, Louis Drucker's grandson and the last Drucker to manage the company, passed away in 1979. Maison Louis Drucker then passed into new hands and developed, notably, its restaurant furniture. The PARISIAN BISTRO CHAIR became the Drucker chair.
In 1991, the gloomy economic climate following the Gulf War led to a drop in production. This marked the beginning of a difficult period for Drucker, which lasted for about twenty years until its receivership in 2005.
The Defining Characteristics of Maison Louis Drucker
Maison Louis Drucker's expertise has been passed down from generation to generation since the 19th century. Great creativity marks Drucker's history, accompanied by a constant concern to preserve the best of the past and the highest standards in the choice of materials.
With its rattan frame and brightly coloured caning, the Drucker chair has become a Parisian icon in just over a century. The ultimate in comfort, aesthetics, lightness and solidity. Playful, cheerful and luminous all at once. An innate elegance worthy of the capital, with a hint of something exotic too. Maison Louis Drucker has created a symbol: THE PARISIAN BISTRO CHAIR, which has, over time, become a striking symbol of Parisian identity. It is an integral part of the brand image and personality of the most prestigious establishments.
Maison Louis Drucker has been awarded the "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" label (Living Heritage Company), in recognition of its exceptional historic expertise by the French Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Maison Louis Drucker manufactures "made to measure": this means that when you ask Drucker to create your furniture, you choose its shape, colours and caning, thus creating your personalised design.
A Fresh Start
Having previously worked in the industrial sector, Bruno Dubois fell in love with this company, which he acquired in 2006. After this firm and courageous takeover, the company resurfaced and began to regain market share. Maison Louis Drucker furniture is now present in more than 80 countries worldwide. The "FRENCH BISTROT CHAIR," an icon of Parisian terraces, now graces terraces, restaurants, and hotels around the world.
Today, top interior designers of all nationalities—French, American, Japanese, Australian, and Canadian—are also incorporating them into private homes, furnishing conservatories and winter gardens, and adorning kitchens with magnificent colors in the "Parisian bistro" style. New models are periodically designed by renowned designers such as Stark, Peter Marino, and India Mahdavi, and produced by L. Drucker. Maison Louis Drucker also draws inspiration from its archives to reinterpret its most beautiful creations.
Manufacturing
Behind the scenes of the artisanal manufacturing of rattan or aluminum chairs and objects.
Our Materials
This entirely artisanal production implements a know-how that is acquired over time.
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