Benoist F. Drut, owner of the Manhattan gallery Maison Gerard, recently shared his favorite design pieces.
His selections range from an 18th-century Louis XV armchair to a 1976 Mercedes-Benz convertible, reflecting his distinct approach to collecting and curation.
What happened
Drut grew up in a village northwest of Paris, surrounded by castles and lily ponds. He developed an early interest in antiques as a teenager after meeting French furniture expert Thierry Millerand.
Millerand advised the young collector to learn the trade directly on the job. Drut’s parents convinced him to continue his formal education instead.
He earned a law degree, but Millerand’s advice stayed with him. Drut eventually moved to New York to work with Roger Prigent, a fashion photographer who became an antiques dealer.
Drut joined Maison Gerard as a partner in 1998 and later took full ownership of the gallery. He recently outlined his favorite items for a weekly design feature.
His first pick is a 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible. He calls the nearly fifty-year-old car “Black Beauty” or “BB.”
The nickname references French actress Brigitte Bardot and sounds like the French word for baby. Drut cherished a toy model of this exact car during his childhood.
Years later, he spotted the real vehicle parked outside a garage in Sullivan County, New York. The owners initially refused to sell, but persistence led to an agreement.
His second selection is a Louis XV armchair crafted by Jean-René Nadal l’Ainé. Eighteenth-century French furniture remains Drut’s first love.
The chair still features its original polychrome finish. Faded painted flowers and ornamentation remain visible along the wooden frame.
Why it matters
Drut built his reputation by placing historic and modern pieces side by side. He curates exhibitions that mix fine French Art Deco with contemporary design.
This approach bridges different cultures, periods, and artistic perspectives. It also provides a highly visible platform for modern creators.
Drut has helped establish several contemporary artists on the global stage. He frequently champions talents like Ayala Serfaty, Niamh Barry, and Kiko Lopez.
His gallery serves as a significant testing ground for these mixed-period aesthetics. He also draws heavy inspiration from architectural landmarks.
Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye resonates deeply with the gallery owner. Drut notes that he is fascinated by how buildings are conceived and constructed.
He has even considered sketching architectural structures of his own in the future.
The catch
The Louis XV armchair requires a specific appreciation for decay and history. The vibrant colors are long faded, and the piece lacks its original fabric.
The original upholstery is gone entirely. Only the initial horsehair stuffing remains, sitting beneath a basic layer of muslin.
Furthermore, the published feature promises insights into peonies and an Eiffel Tower sculpture. However, the initial text cuts off before detailing these specific items.
Drut’s collection relies heavily on high-end, exclusive items. Finding a vintage Mercedes outside a rural garage is a rare stroke of luck, not a replicable sourcing strategy.
What to verify
Check the complete gallery feature to read about the promised Eiffel Tower sculpture and peonies.
Verify the current condition and exhibition status of the Louis XV armchair.
Look up upcoming showcases at Maison Gerard featuring Kiko Lopez or Osanna Visconti.
Confirm the exact production year and current mechanical status of the 1976 Mercedes-Benz.
Source trail
Design Milk published the original interview detailing Drut’s background and favorite objects.
Additional context on his gallery work is available through the official Maison Gerard website.
