Philadelphia, PA (September 1999) ... The Moderne Gallery will host decorative arts/metalwork historian Joan Kahr, author of the recently published book Edgar Brandt: Master of Art Deco Ironwork (Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 1999), on Friday, October 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. Kahr will be present to autograph her book, which is available for purchase at the Moderne Gallery, 111 N. Third Street in Old City Philadelphia.(215-923-8536)

Joan Kahr is the leading authority on Edgar Brandt. Her new book, with an introduction by Brandt’s son François, is the first to explore the life and work of the great ferronnier in detail. She is a frequent lecturer at universities on decorative metalwork and a regular contributor to major craft and art publications.

The book signing is being held in conjuction with the opening of Moderne Gallery’s Edgar Brandt: Art Deco Ironwork and Photographs from the Atelier, the first of its kind exhibition and sale of Brandt’s work. The book signing and the exhibition are free and open to the public.

The highly unusual Moderne Gallery exhibit has been made possible through a collaboration with Joan Kahr. Her book is the first to document the life and work of Brandt and serves as the basis for the project. Robert Aibel, owner/director of the Moderne Gallery, was a friend and colleague to Kahr during the years that she worked on the book.

Approximately 40 pieces of Edgar Brandt’s exquisitely crafted wrought iron work and over 200 vintage photographs from the mastercraftsman’s atelier will be on display, showing the wide range of artistry and the tremendous technological achievements of the premier metalsmith of the 20th century.

The objects on display include jewelry, vases, paperweights, mirrors, sculpture, bookends, compotes, firescreens and a console. Some are on loan from private collections and are not for sale; approximately 15 are available for purchase. Prices range from about $2,500 to $35,000. About half of these objects are illustrated in Kahr’s book.

The photographs on display, and now available for purchase, are from the collection of the author and were gathered by Kahr as a part of her research. Many of them are included in the Abrams’ book. They were originally used in the sales portfolio in Brandt’s Ferrobrandt atelier and showroom on Park Avenue in New York City. Many are of one-of-a-kind commissions, while others are of objects which were to become famous in Brandt’s oeuvre. The vintage photographs for sale range in price from about $250 to $850, and promise to be of interest to aficionados of photography as well as the Art Deco period and to current owners of work by Brandt.

Edgar Brandt: Art Deco Ironwork and Photographs from the Atelier will run through December 24, 1999 at the Moderne Gallery, located at 111 N. Third Street, in Old City Philadelphia. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm. (215-923-8536)