Hector Guimard...Art Nouveau Master by tpal
I have always been a fan of Hector Guimard but, as is often the case, I only knew part of the story. Guimard is renown for his work designing the Metro stations throughout Paris and one my missions while visiting was to see as many as possible but...a designer cannot survive on just one commission.As we explored the 16th Arrondissement, we discovered a huge body of the Art Nouveau architect's work that was totally unknown to both Carol and I. It became clear to us why he had been awarded the prestigious task of designing the famous Metro stations. Guimard had won the Concours de Facades for Castel Béranger at 14 la Fountaine in about 1898 just one year before he began to design the stations. If you follow the route in my tip on the 16th Arrondissement you will encounter many of Guimard works.Intro Photo: Views of Castel Béranger: (top) Plaque commemorating Guimard's winning of the Facade Compitition; (left) Main entrance of Castel Béranger; (right) side facade with an array gargoyles and dragons.
Photo 2: Apartment entrance at 17 rue la Fontaine demonstrates the designers talent and the sculptor's skill.
Photo 3: And yes...I also did find the famous Metro Station entrances: (top) Abbesses station in Montmartre; Cité station on Ile de la Cité.
Photo 4: The Hôtel Mezzara at 60 rue la Fontaine was built for a friend of Guimard's in 1910. It now serves as the Guimard Museum: (left) front facade; (center top) restored dinning room; (center bottom) grand staircase; (right) spectacular leaded glass skylight over main lobby.
Photo 5: The facade of 17 rue la Fontaine.
