BY VICTOR PAILLARD, PARIS, CIRCA 1870

Although best known as a fondeur, Victor Paillard (d.1886) designed and produced chenets, candelabra, decorative objects and clocks. As a child he learnt the art of chasing and in the 1830s opened his own business of Bronze d'art et d'ameublement at 105, boulevard Beaumarchais and 6, rue Saint-Claude. He first showed his work at the Exposition des produits de l'industrie in 1839 and by 1855 he was employing about one hundred workmen. Paillard continued to display his works at the major international exhibitions, and was eventually appointed a chevalier of the Legion of Honour. As a founder, he worked for numerous well-known sculptors such as Pradier, Barye and Carrier-Belleuse.