The name Lejeune has been synonymous with first class bronze founding
for the best part of 100 years. Established in 1910 as AE Lejeune (AEL)
by Emil Lejeune and his wife Augustine, the company concentrated on small
ornamental bronzes, decorative architechtural fittings and, with the spread
of the automobile, car mascots. The first of these produced by the company
was almost certainly the "Speed
Nymph", the design for which was registered in 1917. The success
of this first mascot enabled Emil to commission work from some of the
best known artists of the day; many existing patterns bear the initials
of sculptors such as Frederic Bazin and Charles Paillet. It was not long
before Lejeune had established itself, and by 1929 was being described
as "the world's largest motor car mascot manufacturer".
Emil's son, Louis
(in 1918 the company cast this bust of Louis, aged 10), took over and renamed
the company in 1933. Louis Lejeune Ltd was run from premises in Great Portland
Street until 1978, when it was bought by the sculptor Sir David Hughes.
Whilst the popularity of car mascots has declined over the years, the company
continues to produce bronze sculptures to the highest quality using traditional
materials and techniques. Sir David's son Timothy has been running the company since 1998.
Lejeune is unique in the breadth of services it is able to
provide. We carry a range of over five hundred original patterns
which may be supplied in a variety of finishes and mounting options
to suit a variety of different applications.
The Lejeune archive is constantly evolving, and it is our aim
to continue this process of improvement. Some of our models have
been in production for over 90 years, whilst new introductions
are being made all the time.
We aim for the highest quality in our bronzes and the sculptors
we employ are all well respected in their individual fields.
Sir David Hughes has contributed many additions to the range
as have Anthony Maynard, Neil Dalrymple and Clark Watling.
Where a specific need is not catered for from the existing range, for example
for the commissioning of a new trophy or special gift, Lejeune is able to
turn its skills towards producing a one-off item to a client's specification.
We have produced many bespoke
pieces over the years and welcome enquiries in this area.
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A copy of the AEL brochure dating from the late 1920's
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