Brutalist Metal Owl Sculptures by Curtis Jeré

Though the name Curtis Jeré is familiar to many as the maker of ebullient and eccentric modern design from the 1960s and ‘70s, relatively few are aware that it is a pseudonym for the design team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. Together, the two created some of the most striking and vivid furnishings and decorative objects of their era, from sculptures and dynamically framed mirrors, to lighting and wall decorations.

New Yorkers Freiler and Fels had collaborated for two decades on small jewelry lines before launching a design company called Artisan House in 1964. They combined variants of their names to create an artful persona — sometimes shortened to C. Jeré; the "surname" is pronounced with a rising inflection: jhayr-EH — that stood behind large-scale decorative metalwork, marked by semi-abstract petal forms with burnt and brazed edges. Fels served as head of design, and Freiler, known for his keen handiwork, was the production chief. The pair’s eclectic metalwork has captivated decorative art collectors and interior designers ever since.

The work of Curtis Jeré displays a sense of playfulness and curiosity, while drawing on inspirations and themes that include flowers, discs, geometric forms and animal figures. Freiler and Fels had a masterful ability to work with different materials, such as patinated brass and brilliant chrome.

The price of a Curtis Jeré mirror, lamp, wall-mounted sculpture or tabletop sculpture can range from $400 to $12,000, depending on the size, the rarity of the piece, the intricacy of the metalwork and the materials used in its construction. Other factors like condition can affect the perceived value and, thus, the cost of works by Curtis Jeré.

As you will see on 1stDibs, the imaginative powers of the designers of Curtis Jeré pieces were boundless, and their creations will add a dash of verve in any room.

Artisan House — also known as Curtis Jeré and C. Jeré by Artisan House — is an internationally acclaimed design firm that offers a wide variety of sculptures, decorative objects and furniture to its sophisticated clientele. 

Founded in New York City by designers Curtis Frelier and Jerry Fels, Artisan House became revered for its Pop art, brutalist and semi-abstract wall sculptures and other decor in alluring patinated brass, copper and polished stainless steel. The studio’s works display a sense of playfulness and curiosity, while drawing on inspirations and themes that include flowers, discs, geometric forms and animal figures. 

Brothers-in-law Frelier and Fels established Artisan House in 1964 after a successful run with a costume jewelry business. With Fels installed as head of design and Frelier as chief of production, Artisan House created exquisitely handcrafted sculptures and furniture that became synonymous with high society decor. While the founders sold Artisan House in 1972, the firm has continued to grow its successful creative business, partnering with the likes of Jonathan Adler and producing furnishings for hospitality properties as sets for films and TV shows such as Mad Men, an explosively successful series and paean to mid-century modern design. 

In 2006, Artisan House moved its base of operations from Los Angeles to a 40,000-square-foot facility in Burbank. This location features a photography studio, design studio, proprietary CAD design system, special ovens and an all-encompassing finishing floor. Artisan House employs a formidable team of talented craftspeople at their two overseas production facilities, which are poised to introduce new designs every April and October in major global markets.

The firm is looking to the future with Artisan House Europe, a sister company based in the Netherlands which opened in 2009. C. Jeré by Artisan House is a highlighted exhibitor at the New York Art Expo, HD Las Vegas and Maison Objet, Paris. 

On 1stDibs, find vintage Artisan House wall decorations, lighting and mirrors.