© Marc Dantan
The art of the curious on every floor
Deyrolle was founded in 1831, and ever since has been inspiring generations in the highly specialised and admittedly particular fields of natural history, entomology (the study of insects) and taxidermy (the art of preparing, stuffing and mounting the skins of animals with lifelike effect). Established on the rue du Bac in 1888, the company has been developing its practice ever since, to the fascination of passers-by, collectors and also artists: not only have Dubuffet, Dali and Nabakov visited the institution in their quest for inspiration, but also director Wes Anderson, and Woody Allen shot a scene for Midnight in Paris there. In addition, the company has surely influenced generations of schoolchildren with its pedagogic wall plaques depicting the human anatomy or the different species of animals and vegetables, much loved by interior designers of today. For this venerable institution, recognised by the Minister for Economy as an « Enterprise of Living Heritage », the fire of 2008 which ravaged the collection almost entirely became an opportunity for a renaissance. Thanks to the formidable enthusiasm and support of all around, birds, wild cats, insects and mammals (including the famous bear) have a home once more and we can again make a detour to admire the latest cabinet of curiosities or an exhibition of the stars of the art world (Bettine Rheims, Damien Hirst…). Naturally unmissable!
46, rue du Bac, 75007 Paris.
Phone: +33 1 42 22 30 07
www.deyrolle.com