Maurice Pillard

Maurice Pillard was born in Saint-Quentin, France. He then went on to become a well-known artist and designer. He was inspired by Japanese art and nature, particularly the sea. Pillard is known for his contribution to the art deco movement and, in particular, his use of bold, floral designs in ceramic tiles, wallpapers and other furnishing textiles.

His designs covered both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods subsequently transitioning into his much-acclaimed geometric patterns. Verneuil also produced numerous poster works in France alongside well-known artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Chéret. Other collaborators included Armand Point, René Juste, Alfons Mucha and Mathurin Méheut.

Maurice Pillard trained many artists including Amédée Ozenfant. In 1923, he embarked with his wife Adélaïde Verneuil de Marval on a long voyage to the Far East, including visits to Cambodia, Indonesia, and Japan.