Albert Gilles

Albert Louis Gilles (August 20, 1895 – 1979) was a French coppersmith known for his metalwork technique of shaping malleable metals. During his career as an artisan and designer, Gilles created public and private works for The Walt Disney Company, Chrysler, and General Motors. He is known for his later works depicting the life of Jesus Christ.

Early Life and Introduction to Repoussé
Albert Louis Gilles was born on August 20, 1895, in Paris, France. At the age of 12, his aunt introduced him to the art of Repoussé, a technique of shaping malleable metals. He practiced this technique during evening art classes. Gilles served in World War I, where he injured his right hand. He rehabilitated his hand by milking cows at a farm in Normandy.

Immigration and Career in North America
In 1927, Gilles immigrated to Quebec City, Canada. Two years later, he moved to the United States and settled in Detroit, where he founded the Albert Gilles Studio, later renamed Cuivres d'Art Albert Gilles, or the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio. He worked as a decorator, metal sculptor, and silversmith in Detroit, Hollywood, and Los Angeles. Notably, he repaired the gates at Havana's National Capitol before returning to Canada in 1937.

The American Years (1929-1957)
Gilles was inspired by the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. He worked for various clients, including automotive magnates and Hollywood actors. In 1957, Gilles created four doors for the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, each weighing 1,000 pounds.

The Canadian Years (1937-1979)
Upon his return to Quebec, Gilles began creating religious artwork for churches, including the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. He held an exhibition of 50 panels depicting the life of Christ in 1941. In 1942, he was commissioned by Pope Pius XII to design a Chalice and Paten for Montreal's 300th anniversary. One of his most complex works is Christorama, a hand-embossed depiction of the life of Jesus Christ in 50 tableaux. Gilles also created decorative elements for over 30 churches across Canada and other countries.

Legacy and Auction History
Gilles's work has been auctioned multiple times, with prices ranging from 15 USD to 71 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. His highest auction price was 71 USD for an antique lamp sold at Champagne Auctions in 2022. The Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum in Château-Richer continues to operate as a boutique and museum run by his family.