Former Inn Bar Decorated By Ceramic Artist Alain Girel (1945–2001)

The former and only large counter bar from a renowned inn in the Nièvre region (now closed), decorated by the famous French ceramic artist Alain GIREL (1945–2001).
The original structure of this bar dates back to the 1950s and is made of oak.
The artistic elements added by A. GIREL celebrate wine and feature various designs in églomisé glass and motifs inspired by mythological scenes. 
The front and one side panel are painted to resemble marble and feature enamel plaques bearing the names of various wine-growing regions.
The top of the counter has also been covered with gilded copper plates, riveted in place by the artist, as are the bands at the top of the front panel.
The rear section features four oak doors with original, fully functional hinges and handles, revealing a rather well-preserved period interior (a rarity).
The worktop and sink are of more recent construction.
This unique and one-of-a-kind piece will appeal to collectors with an interest in wine, as well as owners of wine cellars, wine merchants, etc.

A letter from Jean GIREL, Alain’s brother, authenticates this piece and will be provided upon request.

Dimensions:
Length: 250 cm
Height: 128 cm
Depth/Width: 73 cm

Weight: approximately 250–300 kg

Packaging:
Item carefully packaged

Delivery:
To be picked up in Nevers.
Delivery is available to Paris (Paris/Nevers route) and Montpellier; in exceptional cases, we may be able to deliver it personally anywhere in France (terms to be agreed upon with the buyer).
Shipments can be arranged through standard providers typically found on online marketplaces, as well as through professional carriers specializing in furniture and art objects worldwide.

SHIPPING IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE

Payment:
Please contact us by email or phone/WhatsApp to arrange payment via international bank transfer (PayPal is also an option) after verification.

For your information:
We can also conduct specific searches for interior designers and architects within our inventory as well as through our colleagues.

The photos also serve as a description.
Additional detailed photos are available upon request.

Alain Girel, the artist:
The son of schoolteachers, he spent his childhood in Montmélian, Savoie.
In 1959, he and his younger brother Jean set up their first studio in the basement of the family home.
In 1962, the brothers held their first exhibition at the Chambéry Youth and Culture Center.
After graduating from high school in 1965, he enrolled at the Académie du Feu, led by sculptor Szabo, in Paris.
In 1966, he and his future wife, Mireille Dégrange, bought a dilapidated house in Valaurie, an abandoned village in the Drôme department. Following his lead, other artists settled in the village, where workshops and exhibitions were organized.
In 1968, he earned a state diploma as a community education advisor. He ultimately turned down a position as director of a youth center in the Paris region and decided to devote himself entirely to ceramics and sculpture.
He met his new partner, Jeanne Grandpierre, and lived with her in La Borne from 1974 to 1981. There, he conceived the 1^st plan for a ceramics center.
From 1981 to 1989, he taught in the ceramics department at the Mâcon School of Fine Arts.
In 1986, he was appointed project manager for an initiative at the Ministry of Culture.
In 1988, François Mitterrand visited the ceramicist’s studio to personally select pieces to purchase. He would return for two more visits.
In 1996, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the World Craft Council Europe.
Documentaries about Alain GIREL have been produced by France 3 and TF1, and literary works have been written by his brother Jean.
Countless works can be found in major private and public collections in France and elsewhere, some of which were acquired by Hermès, Christian Lacroix, the Emir of Qatar, and others.
He passed away in 2001.
It is very common to find the artist’s pieces on the international art market and at major auction houses specializing in fine ceramics.