Maison Gerard
French Art Deco and 20th-century design specialists in New York since 1974.
Maison Gerard — French Art Deco and 20th Century Design in New York
Maison Gerard has been a defining presence in the New York antiques and design world since 1974, when Dutch-born dealer Gerardus Widdershoven opened one of the first galleries in the city to specialize in French Art Deco furniture, lighting, and objets d'art. Over fifty years, the gallery has grown from a focused Art Deco practice into a broader platform for 20th-century and contemporary design, while maintaining the depth of expertise and curatorial eye that made its reputation.
Founding and Early Years
Gerardus Widdershoven was born near Maastricht in the Netherlands in 1951 and moved to New York in 1973. The following year, he established Maison Gerard, becoming a pioneer in bringing serious attention to French Art Deco design in the American market. The gallery was among the first to open on East 10th Street, which would eventually become a concentration of fine antique galleries. Widdershoven built the gallery's reputation through rigorous scholarship and deep relationships with European sources, establishing Maison Gerard as the premier New York destination for Art Deco furniture and decorative arts.
The gallery developed a particular focus on the work of Maison Leleu, the celebrated French design house. Over the years, Maison Gerard devoted five exhibitions to Leleu's work and provided the introduction to Francoise Siriex's definitive text on the subject. Widdershoven continued to lead the gallery until his death in 2020.
Expansion Under Benoist Drut
In the late 1990s, Benoist F. Drut joined as a partner, broadening the gallery's scope to include midcentury and contemporary design. This expansion was deliberate rather than a dilution — the gallery began fostering relationships with recognized contemporary designers and artists, creating a program that places new work in dialogue with historical pieces. Today, Maison Gerard exhibits French Art Deco alongside contemporary furniture, lighting, sculpture, and ceramics, always with an emphasis on craftsmanship, material quality, and design integrity.
| Period / Movement | Date Range | Representative Designers |
|---|---|---|
| French Art Deco | 1920s–1940s | Maison Leleu, Jules Leleu, Jean Dunand |
| Mid-Century French Design | 1940s–1960s | Selected postwar French designers |
| Contemporary Design | 21st century | Living designers and artists commissioned by the gallery |
How Maison Gerard Works
The gallery operates from its New York location and participates in major fairs including Design Miami, The Winter Show, and the Salon Art + Design fair. Pieces are available for purchase directly through the gallery or via platforms such as 1stDibs and Artsy. Maison Gerard works closely with interior designers, architects, and private collectors, providing detailed provenance and historical context for each piece.
Who Should Visit Maison Gerard
The gallery is essential for collectors of French Art Deco design, particularly those interested in the Leleu atelier and its contemporaries. Interior designers working on projects with a 1920s–1940s French aesthetic will find an unmatched depth of inventory and expertise. The contemporary program also makes Maison Gerard relevant for buyers interested in new design that maintains a connection to historical craft traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maison Gerard's founding specialty is French Art Deco furniture, lighting, and objets d'art. The gallery was one of the first in New York to focus on this period when it opened in 1974. It has since expanded to include midcentury and contemporary design.
The gallery was founded in 1974 by Gerardus Widdershoven, a Dutch-born dealer who moved to New York in 1973. He led the gallery until his death in 2020. Benoist F. Drut joined as a partner in the late 1990s and continues to lead the gallery's operations.
No. While Art Deco antiques remain central, the gallery's Studio Contemporary program commissions and presents work by living designers and artists. The gallery deliberately places contemporary pieces in dialogue with historical works.
Maison Gerard has devoted five exhibitions to the work of Maison Leleu and provided the introduction to Francoise Siriex's definitive monograph on the subject. The gallery's expertise on Leleu is considered among the deepest in the market.
Inventory can be viewed at the gallery's New York location, through its website, and on platforms including 1stDibs and Artsy. The gallery also exhibits at major fairs such as Design Miami, The Winter Show, and Salon Art + Design.
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