Tri-Metal Backgammon Table by Alain Delon for Maison Jansen

His smoldering gaze, chiseled features and roles in such films as The Leopard and Le Samourai won actor Alain Delon international fame in the 1960s. His name and face became emblematic of a certain type of cool French sophistication, and in the 1970s, many fans may be surprised to learn, Delon brought his sense of style to bear on the world of furniture design, when he created a series of pieces for Maison Jansen, the venerable Paris decorating firm established by Dutchman Jean-Henri Jansen in 1880.

Delon’s designs run the gamut of forms, from cabinets and consoles to side tables and armchairs, and a few pieces — notably, his backgammon tables — nod to chic and languorous leisure interests.

The detailing and materials of many of his designs point to Art Deco inspirations: scalloped and fluted edges, lacquer finishes and brass trim. Other, more angular pieces, like his backgammon tables, suggest a modern take on chinoiserie.

Whatever form they take, as you will see on these pages, all of Alain Delon’s designs have an elegance and glamor that would make them the centerpiece of a sleek, simple decor.

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The Dutch-born Jean-Henri Jansen (1854–1928) was only in his mid-20s when he set up his Parisian design business in 1880. By the time he died, Maison Jansen had become the world’s first international decorating firm. Today, it is still regarded as one of the most notable firms and period furniture manufacturers in history, with its vintage floor lamps, tables, dressers and other furnishings remaining in demand.

Maison Jansen initially came to international prominence in 1883 when the young Jean-Henri Jansen traveled to Amsterdam to participate in the International Colonial Exposition, an event that featured presentations by 28 different nations and was attended by over a million visitors. There he exhibited as part of the French pavilion and won the silver medal. This led to two prominent new clients: King William III of the Netherlands and King Alfonso XII of Spain.

Next was King Leopold II of Belgium for the interiors of the Château du Laeken, as well as commissions for Egypt’s King Farouk and Great Britain’s King Edward VII. Thanks to his participation in global expositions and fairs, Jansen expanded the renown of the firm so that its studios would reign in such major cities as London, New York, Buenos Aires, Cairo and many more.

Jansen was not only sought after for his taste but also for his custom period-inspired pieces. For example, in the Count and Countess de Revilla de Camargo’s Havana mansion, Jansen designed Louis XV–style furniture crafted from Cuban mahogany, enhancing Maison Jansen’s reputation as an expert maker. His custom furniture business was so successful that by 1900 he had opened his own atelier and employed around 700 artisans.

In the 1960s, the firm, then led by Stéphane Boudin, worked with Jacqueline Kennedy on the refurbishment of rooms in the White House, including such spaces as the Queens’ Sitting Room, which featured bright blue fabric and neoclassical details. In the 1970s, legendary French actor Alain Delon brought his sense of style to bear on the world of furniture design, when he created a series of pieces for Maison Jansen.

Maison Jansen continued to produce furniture designs through the 20th century, responding to shifting tastes from Art Nouveau to Modern Regency. The atelier and studio officially closed its doors in 1989.

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