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I've included a few more citations and did a few additional rewrites for potential bias. I also found more information on Aaron Mendelsohn (sp. Mendelson in the citation), as there was no attribution to back up the timing of his death in the 1930s. More citations could still be helpful, and I'll look into some art resources to see what I can find.
m minor spelling tweak
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'''Albert Gilles''' (20 August 1895 – 1979) was a French [[coppersmith]] known for his [[metalworking]] technique of shaping [[Ductility|malleable]] metals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hackler |first=Jason |date=2015-08-23 |title=Albert Gilles Copper Repoussé Appraisal |url=https://www.nhmagazine.com/hammered-artwork/ |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=New Hampshire Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> During his career as an artisan and designer, Gilles was commissioned for public and private works by [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]], [[Chrysler]], and [[General Motors]]. He is known for his later works depicting the life of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />
'''Albert Gilles''' (20 August 1895 – 1979) was a French [[coppersmith]] known for his [[metalworking]] technique of shaping [[Ductility|malleable]] metals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hackler |first=Jason |date=2015-08-23 |title=Albert Gilles Copper Repoussé Appraisal |url=https://www.nhmagazine.com/hammered-artwork/ |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=New Hampshire Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> During his career as an artisan and designer, Gilles was commissioned for public and private works by [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]], [[Chrysler]] and [[General Motors]]. He is known for his later works depicting the life of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />


[[File:Entrance door to our museum.jpg|thumb|422x422px|This elaborate copper door depicts what appears to be [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] walking on water.]]
[[File:Entrance door to our museum.jpg|thumb|422x422px|This elaborate copper door depicts what appears to be [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] walking on water.]]
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==Life==
==Life==
Albert Louis Gilles was born in [[Paris]] on August 20, 1895.<ref name=":1" /> At age 12, his aunt introduced him to the [[Repoussé and chasing|Repoussé technique]],<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /> which he practiced during evening art classes. Gilles injured his right hand during his service in [[World War I]], and rehabilitated it by milking cows at a farm in [[Normandy]].<ref name=":1" />
Albert Louis Gilles was born in [[Paris]] on August 20, 1895.<ref name=":1" /> At age 12, his aunt introduced him to the [[Repoussé and chasing|Repoussé technique]],<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /> which he practiced during evening art classes. Gilles injured his right hand during his service in [[World War I]] and rehabilitated it by milking cows at a farm in [[Normandy]].<ref name=":1" />


In 1927, Gilles emigrated to [[Quebec City]], [[Canada]]. In 1929, he moved to the [[United States]] and settled in [[Detroit]], where he founded the Albert Gilles Studio, later renamed ''Cuivres d'Art Albert Gilles'', or the ''Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio''.
In 1927, Gilles emigrated to [[Quebec City]], [[Canada]]. In 1929, he moved to the [[United States]] and settled in [[Detroit]], where he founded the Albert Gilles Studio, later renamed ''Cuivres d'Art Albert Gilles'', or the ''Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio''.


In addition to his work in the studio, Gilles worked as a decorator, metal sculptor, and [[silversmith]] in Detroit, Hollywood, and greater [[Los Angeles]].<ref name=":1" />
In addition to his work in the studio, Gilles worked as a decorator, metal sculptor and [[silversmith]] in Detroit, Hollywood and greater [[Los Angeles]].<ref name=":1" />


He was commissioned to repair the gates at [[National Capitol of Cuba|Havana's National Capitol]] before returning to Canada in 1937, where he settled permanently in Québec.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Albert Gilles (1895-1979) |url=https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/portraits-de-nos-ancetres_portraits-of-our-ancestors/story/albert-gilles-1895-1979/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Portraits of Our Ancestors |language=en-US}}</ref> There, Gilles went on to set up a shop in [[Cowansville]], and began creating religious artwork for churches, including the [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré|Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_MokAQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&q=Gilles&hl=en |title=Food for thought |date=1957 |publisher=Department of Research and Education, Hotel & Restaurant Employees and Bartenders International Union |language=en}}</ref> In 1953, Gilles moved his workshop to [[Château-Richer]], where his studio still operates today as a boutique and museum under the name of the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, which is run by the Gilles family.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Biography |url=https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/portraits-de-nos-ancetres_portraits-of-our-ancestors/story/albert-gilles-1895-1979/}}</ref> Gilles died in 1979.
He was commissioned to repair the gates at [[National Capitol of Cuba|Havana's National Capitol]] before returning to Canada in 1937, where he settled permanently in Québec.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Albert Gilles (1895-1979) |url=https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/portraits-de-nos-ancetres_portraits-of-our-ancestors/story/albert-gilles-1895-1979/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Portraits of Our Ancestors |language=en-US}}</ref> There, Gilles went on to set up a shop in [[Cowansville]]<nowiki/>and began creating religious artwork for churches, including the [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré|Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_MokAQAAIAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&q=Gilles&hl=en |title=Food for thought |date=1957 |publisher=Department of Research and Education, Hotel & Restaurant Employees and Bartenders International Union |language=en}}</ref> In 1953, Gilles moved his workshop to [[Château-Richer]], where his studio still operates today as a boutique and museum under the name of the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, which is run by the Gilles family.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Biography |url=https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/portraits-de-nos-ancetres_portraits-of-our-ancestors/story/albert-gilles-1895-1979/}}</ref> Gilles died in 1979.


== Works ==
== Works ==
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Gilles was inspired by the [[International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts]] in [[Paris]] in 1925. He worked for multiple clients such as automotive magnates Charles Fisher, of the [[Fisher Body|Fisher Body Company]] (later [[General Motors|General Motors]]), Aaron Mendelsohn and [[K. T. Keller|K.T. Keller]] of [[Chrysler]].<ref name=":1" />
Gilles was inspired by the [[International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts]] in [[Paris]] in 1925. He worked for multiple clients such as automotive magnates Charles Fisher, of the [[Fisher Body|Fisher Body Company]] (later [[General Motors|General Motors]]), Aaron Mendelsohn and [[K. T. Keller|K.T. Keller]] of [[Chrysler]].<ref name=":1" />


In 1933, Gilles moved to [[California]] and started working for Hollywood actors and actresses, including [[Joan Bennett]] and [[Constance Bennett]], [[Fredric March]], and [[Mae West]]. He contributed to the decoration of various residences for [[Sol M. Wurtzel]] of the [[Fox Film Corporation]], for [[Walt Disney]], and [[Roy Oliver Disney]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /> He also worked on the [[Los Angeles Times building|''Los Angeles Times'' Building]].
In 1933, Gilles moved to [[California]] and started working for Hollywood actors and actresses, including [[Joan Bennett]] and [[Constance Bennett]], [[Fredric March]] and [[Mae West]]. He contributed to the decoration of various residences for [[Sol M. Wurtzel]] of the [[Fox Film Corporation]], for [[Walt Disney]] and [[Roy Oliver Disney]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /> He also worked on the [[Los Angeles Times building|''Los Angeles Times'' Building]].


In 1957, Gilles created four doors, each weighing 1,000 pounds, for the [[First Congregational Church of Los Angeles]] in his [[Château-Richer]] workshop.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=The Bronze Doors |url=https://www.fccla.org/building |access-date=Feb 23, 2024 |website=First Congregational Church of Los Angeles}}</ref>
In 1957, Gilles created four doors, each weighing 1,000 pounds, for the [[First Congregational Church of Los Angeles]] in his [[Château-Richer]] workshop.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=The Bronze Doors |url=https://www.fccla.org/building |access-date=Feb 23, 2024 |website=First Congregational Church of Los Angeles}}</ref>


=== The Canadian Years (1937-1979): Religious Art and Murals ===
=== The Canadian Years (1937-1979): Religious Art and Murals ===
Gilles returned to [[Quebec|Québec]] in 1937, and had an exhibition of 50 panels depicting the life of [[Christ]] in 1941. The following year, he received a commission from [[Pope Pius XII]] to design and produce a [[Chalice]] and [[Paten]] for the mass celebrating Montreal's 300th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Faith in Québec: ‘The perfect destination’ {{!}} NTA Courier |url=https://www.ntacourier.com/node/281 |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=www.ntacourier.com |language=en}}</ref> He also worked on the copper roof of the [[Château Frontenac]] and the doors of the [[Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]].<ref name=":3" />
Gilles returned to [[Quebec|Québec]] in 1937 and had an exhibition of 50 panels depicting the life of [[Christ]] in 1941. The following year, he received a commission from [[Pope Pius XII]] to design and produce a [[Chalice]] and [[Paten]] for the mass celebrating Montreal's 300th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Faith in Québec: ‘The perfect destination’ {{!}} NTA Courier |url=https://www.ntacourier.com/node/281 |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=www.ntacourier.com |language=en}}</ref> He also worked on the copper roof of the [[Château Frontenac]] and the doors of the [[Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]].<ref name=":3" />


One of Gilles' most labored works is ''Christorama'', a 50-tableau, hand-embossed depiction of the life of Jesus Christ.<ref name=":3" /> The project began as a commission in the early 1930s by Aaron Mendelsohn of General Motors to honor Mendelsohn's late wife. But three years into work, with only 40 of the reliefs complete, Mendelsohn died.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1933-09-24 |title=Aaron Mendelson obituary in the Detroit Free Press, 9/24/1933. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-aaron-mendelson-obitu/9754346/ |access-date=2024-03-31 |work=Detroit Free Press |pages=1}}</ref> Gilles' decided to continue work on Christorama in his spare time—an endeavor that would take 15 years to complete. The work remains on exhibition at Albert Gilles Copper Art & Museum.<ref name="r1">{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.albertgilles-copper-art.com/histoire.php |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Cuivres d’Art Albert Gilles}}</ref>
One of Gilles' most labored works is ''Christorama'', a 50-tableau, hand-embossed depiction of the life of Jesus Christ.<ref name=":3" /> The project began as a commission in the early 1930s by Aaron Mendelsohn of General Motors to honor Mendelsohn's late wife. But three years into work, with only 40 of the reliefs complete, Mendelsohn died.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1933-09-24 |title=Aaron Mendelson obituary in the Detroit Free Press, 9/24/1933. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-aaron-mendelson-obitu/9754346/ |access-date=2024-03-31 |work=Detroit Free Press |pages=1}}</ref> Gilles' decided to continue work on Christorama in his spare time—an endeavor that would take 15 years to complete. The work remains on exhibition at Albert Gilles Copper Art & Museum.<ref name="r1">{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.albertgilles-copper-art.com/histoire.php |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Cuivres d’Art Albert Gilles}}</ref>


Gilles created decorative elements for more than 30 churches across the Canadian provinces of [[Quebec]], [[New Brunswick]], and [[Ontario]], as well as in the [[United States]] and [[Jamaica]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Christorama |url=https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/portraits-de-nos-ancetres_portraits-of-our-ancestors/gallery/christorama-as-displayed-in-a-room-distinct-from-the-family-boutique/ |access-date=Feb 23, 2024 |website=Christorama, as displayed in a room distinct from the family boutique}}</ref> His artwork is displayed in several [[Chapel|chapels]] and numerous parish churches.
Gilles created decorative elements for more than 30 churches across the Canadian provinces of [[Quebec]], [[New Brunswick]] and [[Ontario]], as well as in the [[United States]] and [[Jamaica]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Christorama |url=https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/portraits-de-nos-ancetres_portraits-of-our-ancestors/gallery/christorama-as-displayed-in-a-room-distinct-from-the-family-boutique/ |access-date=Feb 23, 2024 |website=Christorama, as displayed in a room distinct from the family boutique}}</ref> His artwork is displayed in several [[Chapel|chapels]] and numerous parish churches.


== References ==
== References ==
Line 74: Line 74:
== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/portraits-de-nos-ancetres_portraits-of-our-ancestors/story/albert-gilles-1895-1979/ Château-Richer biography of Gilles]
* [https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/portraits-de-nos-ancetres_portraits-of-our-ancestors/story/albert-gilles-1895-1979/ Château-Richer biography of Gilles]
* [https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Albert-Gilles/3F678A8544C62A0F/Biography Mutual Art biography of Gilles]
* [https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Albert-Gilles/3F678A8544C62A0F/Biography Mutual Art Biography of Gilles]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gilles, Albert}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gilles, Albert}}
[[Category:1895 births]]
[[Category:1895 births]]

Revision as of 16:04, 31 March 2024

Albert Gilles
Albert Gilles in 1950
Born
Albert Louis Gilles

(1895-08-20)August 20, 1895
Paris, France
Died1979(1979-00-00) (aged 83–84)
NationalityFrench
Known forCoppersmith
ChildrenPalmyre Gilles
Websitehttps://www.albertgilles-copper-art.com/

Albert Gilles (20 August 1895 – 1979) was a French coppersmith known for his metalworking technique of shaping malleable metals.[1] During his career as an artisan and designer, Gilles was commissioned for public and private works by Disney, Chrysler and General Motors. He is known for his later works depicting the life of Jesus Christ.[2][3]

This elaborate copper door depicts what appears to be Jesus Christ walking on water.
The depicted Chalice was commissioned by Pope Pius XII in 1942 to mark the 300th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Montreal.

Life

Albert Louis Gilles was born in Paris on August 20, 1895.[4] At age 12, his aunt introduced him to the Repoussé technique,[2][4] which he practiced during evening art classes. Gilles injured his right hand during his service in World War I and rehabilitated it by milking cows at a farm in Normandy.[4]

In 1927, Gilles emigrated to Quebec City, Canada. In 1929, he moved to the United States and settled in Detroit, where he founded the Albert Gilles Studio, later renamed Cuivres d'Art Albert Gilles, or the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio.

In addition to his work in the studio, Gilles worked as a decorator, metal sculptor and silversmith in Detroit, Hollywood and greater Los Angeles.[4]

He was commissioned to repair the gates at Havana's National Capitol before returning to Canada in 1937, where he settled permanently in Québec.[2] There, Gilles went on to set up a shop in Cowansvilleand began creating religious artwork for churches, including the Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine.[5] In 1953, Gilles moved his workshop to Château-Richer, where his studio still operates today as a boutique and museum under the name of the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, which is run by the Gilles family.[6] Gilles died in 1979.

Works

The American Years (1929-1957): Disney, Fox Film and Chrysler

Gilles was inspired by the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925. He worked for multiple clients such as automotive magnates Charles Fisher, of the Fisher Body Company (later General Motors), Aaron Mendelsohn and K.T. Keller of Chrysler.[4]

In 1933, Gilles moved to California and started working for Hollywood actors and actresses, including Joan Bennett and Constance Bennett, Fredric March and Mae West. He contributed to the decoration of various residences for Sol M. Wurtzel of the Fox Film Corporation, for Walt Disney and Roy Oliver Disney.[2][4] He also worked on the Los Angeles Times Building.

In 1957, Gilles created four doors, each weighing 1,000 pounds, for the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles in his Château-Richer workshop.[4]

The Canadian Years (1937-1979): Religious Art and Murals

Gilles returned to Québec in 1937 and had an exhibition of 50 panels depicting the life of Christ in 1941. The following year, he received a commission from Pope Pius XII to design and produce a Chalice and Paten for the mass celebrating Montreal's 300th anniversary.[7] He also worked on the copper roof of the Château Frontenac and the doors of the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.[2]

One of Gilles' most labored works is Christorama, a 50-tableau, hand-embossed depiction of the life of Jesus Christ.[2] The project began as a commission in the early 1930s by Aaron Mendelsohn of General Motors to honor Mendelsohn's late wife. But three years into work, with only 40 of the reliefs complete, Mendelsohn died.[8] Gilles' decided to continue work on Christorama in his spare time—an endeavor that would take 15 years to complete. The work remains on exhibition at Albert Gilles Copper Art & Museum.[9]

Gilles created decorative elements for more than 30 churches across the Canadian provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario, as well as in the United States and Jamaica.[3] His artwork is displayed in several chapels and numerous parish churches.

References

  1. ^ Hackler, Jason (2015-08-23). "Albert Gilles Copper Repoussé Appraisal". New Hampshire Magazine. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Albert Gilles (1895-1979)". Portraits of Our Ancestors. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  3. ^ a b "Christorama". Christorama, as displayed in a room distinct from the family boutique. Retrieved Feb 23, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "The Bronze Doors". First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Retrieved Feb 23, 2024.
  5. ^ Food for thought. Department of Research and Education, Hotel & Restaurant Employees and Bartenders International Union. 1957.
  6. ^ "Biography".
  7. ^ "Faith in Québec: 'The perfect destination' | NTA Courier". www.ntacourier.com. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  8. ^ "Aaron Mendelson obituary in the Detroit Free Press, 9/24/1933". Detroit Free Press. 1933-09-24. p. 1. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  9. ^ "Our History". Cuivres d’Art Albert Gilles. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
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