Since 1847
Created in 1847, The Maison Lebrun is specialized in antique picture frames. This historical place, houses a collection of more than three thousand French and European frames, from the 16th to the 20th century.
Who we are
In the same family since its creation, this is the oldest frame dealer in the world, rich of an expertise transmitted from one generation to the next for 170 years. Read more…
At the turn of the 19th century, Adele and Jean Lebrun form a young couple and are both gilders. Their workshop is located in Paris, 50 rue Saint Lazare, in a neighborhood famous for its modernity. The fine quality frames they make will start the reputation of their workshop.
Their son Louis marries Alice Henry, they run the Maison Lebrun together. In the 1900s they move to Rue de Monceau and also open a gallery in New York at 566 fith Avenue. The reputation of the Parisian business, which works regularly for the Musée du Louvre and the Château de Versailles, make the New York Lotus Magazine title in April 1914: « The psychology of the frame may be said to have been studied and mastered by Lebrun ! ».
The next generation is Jacques Lebrun, who greatly develops the reputation of the company and also creates a gallery in Chamonix in the 1950s. He was a great sailor, world champion and Olympic winner at the Los Angeles games of 1932, his aura and his taste appealed to the great people of his time! In 1933 he settled La Maison Lebrun in 155 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, the current address of the gallery. During World War II he actively participated in hiding the Louvre collection.
Annick Lebrun, learned her job from her father Jacques and loved it with passion, she enriched widely the collection before transmitting it in turn to her daughter Virginie who runs the gallery today.
Expertise is the central pillar of the transmission of the Maison Lebrun from one generation to the other. This knowledge includes the quality requirement in the restoration of gilded wood and of course the ability in choosing the right frame for a painting.
As a complement to the work of art, the frame has a primordial aesthetic role.