François Thévenin and Gisèle Sidoti.

FRANÇOIS THÉVENIN (France, 1931 -2016) AND GISÈLE SIDOTI (Morocco, 1940-1986).
Console, c. 1990.
Wrought iron and travertine marble. Unique piece.
Signed.
Measurements: 82 x 160 x 60,5 cm.
Elegant console with wrought iron base patinated in black, with a stylized cutout that simulates branches and scrolls. The piece has a top made entirely of ivory travertine marble.
Sido and François Thévenin, an iconic French design duo, have left their mark on the history of furniture and decorative sculpture with their innovative and artistic approach. Sido, born in 1940, and François Thévenin, born in 1931 and died in 2016, collaborated closely to create pieces that transcend the boundaries between art and function.
Their collaboration began in the 1960s, a period of great creative effervescence. They met at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg, where François Thévenin taught and Sido studied. Their artistic complementarity quickly became apparent, with each bringing unique skills and vision to the duo. "The collaboration between Sido and François Thévenin is a perfect example of artistic symbiosis where imagination and technique meet," writes Pierre Kjellberg in his book on contemporary furniture.
The Thévenins' creations are characterized by the use of raw materials, such as metal and wood, and by organic forms that seem almost alive. Their artisanal approach, where each piece is handcrafted, gives their works a unique character and exceptional quality. Each work by Sido and François Thévenin is a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic vision, observes Alastair Duncan in his study of modern design.
Their work has often been influenced by nature and organic forms, as evidenced by their famous chairs and tables with sinuous lines and rich textures. These pieces are not only functional, but sculptures in their own right, harmoniously integrating the space. The Thévenins' furniture is functional sculpture that defies the conventions of design and art, notes Judith Miller in her guide to great designers.
The duo has also worked on architectural and interior projects, creating complete environments that reflect their unique aesthetic. Their house-workshop in Biot, in the south of France, is an emblematic example of their integrated approach, where every detail, from the furnishings to the architectural elements, is conceived as part of a coherent whole. "The Thévenins' house-workshop is a concrete manifestation of their design philosophy, a place where art and everyday life come together," emphasizes François Baudot in his book on French designers.
Sido and François Thévenin's work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world, and they have received several awards for their contribution to design. Their work continues to influence new generations of designers, standing out for its originality and exceptional quality. "The Thévenins' influence on contemporary design is undeniable, and their artisanal and artistic approach continues to be a source of inspiration," concludes Catherine Join-Diéterle in her analysis of iconic figures in design.
Together, François and Sido created a vast collection of works and exhibited in prestigious galleries, including Drouant, Paris, in 1972, and Cartier in 1980. Their work, ranging from furniture to sculptures, paintings, drawings and prints, was always innovative and conveyed to the viewer an organic, unexpected and enchanting world. In 1986, Sido passed away at the age of 52, followed by François in 2016 at 85, both in their shared home-workshop in Cannes.