#23 Nicolas Hugo

In this episode of The Art Bystander, our host Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar meets with Nicolas Hugo, the now leader of Ateliers Hugo.

Ateliers Hugo, nestled in Aix en Provence, France, has been a bastion of creativity since the early 1950s, crafting exquisite jewelry and limited-edition objects in gold. Their legacy intertwines with history, embracing tradition, skilled craftsmanship, and collaboration with legendary artists, sparking a renaissance in artist-made jewelry.

In the aftermath of World War II, François and Monique Hugo founded Ateliers Hugo, initially focusing on crafting enamel and metal buttons and objects for fashion and commercial ventures, collaborating with esteemed designers like Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Surrounded by the artistic milieu of the South of France, Hugo cultivated friendships with luminaries such as Picasso, Derain, and Ernst, igniting a movement where artists experimented with jewelry as an art form.

The journey continued as Picasso and others sought collaborations with Hugo, laying the foundation for a pioneering era in jewelry artistry from 1956 to 1961. This period witnessed artists like Cocteau infusing their distinctive visions into small, gold objects, transcending commercial considerations for pure artistic exploration.

A "second wave" emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s under Pierre Hugo's stewardship, marrying experimentation with commercial viability. Collaborations with artists like Arman, César, and Salvador Dali birthed masterpieces that adorned museums and galleries worldwide, elevating jewelry to coveted collectibles.

Despite soaring demand, Ateliers Hugo remained a closely-knit family business, cherishing tradition and familial bonds. The studio's ethos, deeply entrenched in familial heritage, fosters a culture where lunchtime gatherings are as sacred as the craft itself.

In the contemporary era, under the leadership of Nicolas Hugo, Ateliers Hugo continues its legacy, collaborating with artists like Ugo Rondinone and Eric Croes, bridging the past with the present. Upholding tradition while embracing modernity, they maintain their unique stamp, rooted in time-honored techniques passed down through generations. With a commitment to serving artists and bearing witness to the zeitgeist, Ateliers Hugo preserves its legacy while illuminating the artistic landscape of today, embodying a timeless mission of creativity and cultural stewardship.

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