Serge Mouille

Born in 1922 in Paris, he studies 1936-41 at the Paris School of Applied Arts and learns with the silversmith and sculptor Gilbert LaCroix. In his studio he starts working as assistant after completing his degree in 1941.

In 1945 Serge Mouille opens his own studio and also starts teaching at the Paris School of Applied Arts. His designs of the 50s include banisters, chandeliers, wall lamps and in 1952 the car Zèbre together with Pierre Pothier and Jean-Pierre Darnat. In 1953 Jaques Adnet commissions him to design lamps. The art of designing lamps will remain with him for the rest of his life. The kinetic and sculptural design language of his lamps is intended to make the room move. He sees his lamps as a response to Italian models, which flood the market in the early 50's, on the one hand inspiring him, but in his opinion far too complicated in construction. Serge Mouille's work at that time is mainly shown at the Galerie Steph Simon in Paris.

The introduction of the neon tube in the late '50s inspires him to develop a series of floor lights. These designs, called ‘Collonnes‘ collection, are unveiled at a trade fair for interior design in 1962. They are among his best-known later works.

In 1963 he quits designing lamps to entirely focus on teaching. He presents his lights and pieces of jewellery at numerous trade fairs. For his life's work as a blacksmith and designer in 1976 he gets the award of the city of Paris.