Thirty years of Eric Schmitt at London's Dutko gallery

Modern dresser on left, floor lamps on right — An exhibition of French designer Eric Schmitt's three decades of work is now on show at Mayfair's Dutko gallery. Pictured left: 'Scale' dresser, 2008. Right: 'Sugegasa' floor lamps, 2013

(Image credit: TBC)

It's hard to wrap a 30-year career up into a single show. But such was the challenge of self-taught French designer Eric Schmitt upon choosing his pieces for his first ever UK solo exhibition, taking place at London’s Dutko gallery.

An eclectic vibe is felt immediately on entering the compact Mayfair space, the curation in which travels through various eras – from art deco to contemporary design movements – stopping at different European influences along the way.

Seating the delicate 1996 bronze and leather 'Chauffeuse Osselet' – an elegant deco piece – alongside modern black lacquered bronze and aluminium tables marks a real transition over time. ‘My work is a result of the sculptor I almost am, the architect I would like to have been and the designer I am not entirely,' Schmitt explains of the multifaceted works.

When discussing the sheer breadth of materials he utilises, the Frenchman reveals that he likes to combine craftsmen who have never worked together. For example, his bohemian glass arrives from where the experts lie, the Czech Republic, and he introduces this to Italian marble, creating something unique.

Standing out among the works is the 'Scale' dresser from 2008, that appears as an Italian radical design. Made entirely from marble scales, its remarkable, whimsical character shone in the white washed space.

Whether the pieces stand as sculpture, furniture, or artworks, their quality and stories are too strong and hard to consume in just one small art space. So it's not surprising that Schmitt’s show was launched alongside a monograph on his oeuvre. The eponymous tome is an intimate, humble testament that gives us an insight into the many phases of his life (he is both a horseman and music lover) that have shaped his world of design.

Large dining table with three thick leg posts — His work shifts through various artistic eras, from art deco to more contemporary design movements. Pictured: 'Roc' dining table, 2010

Curved side tables and floor lamp — Pictured left: 'Stromboli' pedestal table, 2012 and 'Fuji' pedestal table, 2012. Right: 'Cordouan' floor lamp, 2015

Interior design showing different furniture pieces by artist — ‘My work is a result of the sculptor I almost am, the architect I would like to have been and the designer I am not entirely,' Schmitt explains of the multifaceted works

Two brown leather heart framed chairs and black table on right — Pictured left: 'Chauffeuse Osselet', 1996. Right: 'Goodboy Console', 2011

INFORMATION

'Eric Schmitt' is on view at Dutko until 7 May. For more information, visit Dutko's website

Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.