Annotated Bibliography
A selection for reading Olivier Mourgue beyond Djinn: monographs, catalogues, period press and collection descriptions. Each reference indicates what it contributes to understanding the work.
References from the dissertation are marked as such; their comments offer suggestions for further reading. This selection does not constitute an exhaustive bibliography of the research.
01 · Thibault Lannuzel — In search of the dream, university research, 2008–2010.
This work, conducted at the University of Paris IV–Sorbonne under the supervision of Jean-Louis Gaillemin, in direct collaboration with Olivier Mourgue, forms the basis of this dossier: interviews, archives, analysis of periodicals, and market research.
Thibault Lannuzel Research Fund.
02 · Olivier Mourgue, exhibition catalogue, Nantes, Musée des arts décoratifs, 1976.
A key reference for understanding the transition from industrial furniture to environments, animated canvases, and Climate Boxes. It should be read as a milestone in the evolution of his work, coinciding with his move to Brittany.
Reference found in the bibliography of the thesis.
03 · Olivier Mourgue: Imaginary Gardens and Little Theaters, Norwich, Sainsbury Center for Visual Arts, 1992.
This bilingual catalogue explores imaginary gardens and miniature theaters, often less known than the seats themselves. With forewords by Derek Gillman and Norman Foster, it comprises 56 pages and illuminates the poetic and artistic dimension of his work.
04 · Olivier Mourgue: paintings, design, imaginary gardens and small theatres, Brest, Museum of Fine Arts, 2004.
Published to coincide with the exhibition from November 20, 2004 to February 20, 2005, this catalogue invites readers to consider design and artistic creation together. A useful read for understanding Brittany's place in his artistic journey.
Reference found in the bibliography of the thesis.
05 · Mobilier national 1964–2004: 40 years of creation, Paris, Réunion des musées nationaux / Mobilier national, 2004.
The catalogue contextualizes the commissions made to designers within the framework of the Research and Creation Workshop. It helps to understand Montreal, research for housing, and developments such as the Cafeteria Unit.
06 · Pierre Deligny — Airborne, Les Modernistes, 2012.
A history of the publisher, its models, and its collaborations. Essential reading to situate Joker, Djinn, and other Mourgue creations within the context of the production and distribution of French furniture during the Trente Glorieuses (the thirty glorious years of post-war economic boom).
07 · Patrick Favardin and Guy Bloch-Champfort — The Decorators of the 60s–70s, Paris, Norma, 2007.
This contextual work aims to connect Mourgue with other creators of his generation. It offers a framework for comparison between new materials, the transformation of housing, and spatial experimentation.
Reference found in the bibliography of the thesis.
08 · Mobilia, no. 116, March 1965, cover and pp. 1–8.
The documentation of Airborne furniture allows us to follow the initial presentations of Djinn and Whist. The photographs and staged scenes provide information not only about the objects themselves but also about the poses and lifestyles they conveyed.
Reference found in the bibliography of the thesis.
09 · Domus, no. 452, July 1967, pp. 38–39; no. 473, April 1969, p. 36.
Two entry points to move from the studio and interior design to the furniture distributed by Prisunic. These period documents concretely demonstrate the link between space, uses, and the dissemination of design.
References taken from the bibliography and appendices of the thesis.
10 · Abitare, n°95–96, May–July 1971, p. 102–105, 108 and 132–133.
A central resource for research on mobility and canvas devices. It helps to track the expansion of the project, from furniture to transportable equipment and ways of living.
Reference found in the bibliography of the thesis.
11 · Domus, no. 509, April 1972 — Visiona III; Elle, no. 1333, July 5, 1971, pp. 70–71 — The apartment in motion.
These two publications allow for a comparison of a prospective environment for Bayer and research on housing. They should be read together to grasp the logic of the systems, usage zones, and mobile elements.
References taken from the bibliography of the thesis.
12 · Olivier Mourgue — Once upon a time Bouloum, Hexaform, n°1, 1975, p. 14–21.
A text by the designer, invaluable for understanding Bouloum beyond its silhouette. It allows us to revisit the intentions, the playfulness and the uses, and then to compare this account with the versions and documents preserved.
Reference found in the bibliography of the thesis.
13 · MoMA and Centre Pompidou — notices of the works of Olivier Mourgue.
Verification tools are needed for dates, materials, variants, and the presence of models in public collections. Records must be compared with publishing archives: a creation date does not necessarily designate every copy produced.