The restoration of this Louis XV style bookcase, dating from the period Napoleon III and stamped by Léon Dromard, is now complete. Its structure is made of oak, covered with a violet wood veneer, presenting a style very close to that which the cabinetmaker Pierre IV Migeon could produce in the 18th century.
But do you know what a bibus is?
The bibus is a small, open storage unit that appeared in the 18th century, designed to hold books and decorative objects. Prized for its lightness and elegance, it quickly became a staple in refined interiors, particularly during the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods. In the 19th century, amidst the growing taste for antique styles, it was widely reinterpreted by cabinetmakers. The example presented here perfectly illustrates this tradition: harmoniously proportioned, it is distinguished by its curved lines, shaped shelves, precious wood veneer, and gilt-bronze ornaments. The marble top and the quality of its craftsmanship attest to a piece that is both functional and decorative, characteristic of period furniture produced in the 19th century.
Léon Dromard
Léon Dromard, a renowned cabinetmaker in Paris, initially distinguished himself as a restorer of antique furniture and a furniture hardware supplier. In 1874, he established his furniture-making workshop at 8 rue Saint-Lazare, in Paris. Following the cessation of his business, a major auction was organized by the Hôtel Drouot on April 11 and 12, 1889, to liquidate his stock of art furniture, chairs, and bronzes.
