JAMES MONT
James Mont, born Demetrios Pecintoglu in Istanbul in 1904, emerged as one of the most dazzling and notorious figures in twentieth-century American design. His journey began modestly at a Brooklyn electrical supply shop, where he crafted lamps. His talent and unique vision caught the eye of Mafioso Frankie Yale, which launched Mont into the world of interior design for both the New York underworld and Hollywood elite.
Mont's early life is shrouded in mystery. It's believed he came from a family of artists and immigrated to the United States in the 1920s via Western Europe. His entry into the design world was unconventional, propelled by his association with the mob, which influenced his flamboyant and often criminal persona throughout his career.
Mont's designs are distinctive, blending elements of Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, and Midcentury Modern styles. Heavily influenced by chinoiserie, Mont incorporated an "Oriental" aura into his work, reflecting his fascination with Eastern aesthetics. His meticulous craftsmanship, especially his skill with lacquers, set him apart. Mont was an obsessive perfectionist, sometimes painting wood up to fourteen times before applying lacquer, and then instructing his workers to rub the varnish with chalk to achieve a unique finish. His use of metal leaf, particularly silver, added to the allure of his pieces.
Unlike many of his Modernist contemporaries, Mont's designs were driven by emotion rather than theory. His goal was to create beautiful, aesthetically pleasing furnishings that felt natural to him. However, his intense personality and emotional nature often led to trouble. After a prison stint for assault and losing his loyal clientele, Mont fled to Greece to escape his creditors, dying impoverished in 1978.
Despite his tumultuous life, Mont's designs experienced a revival in the 1990s as auction houses and dealers rediscovered their potential. Modern interior designers have since used his dramatic creations to counterbalance the geometric, linear shapes of modern style, finding exceptional value in his work's luscious colors, monumental scale, and bespoke quality.
Mont's association with Hollywood Regency design, particularly in the 1940s and 50s, cemented his reputation. His career began in Brooklyn, where he reportedly started selling lamps to a local mobster, marking the start of his lifelong connection with notorious clients. Mont's work for these clients reflected their extravagant tastes and larger-than-life personalities.
Twentieth-century antiques dealer Todd Merrill highlights Mont's complex personality in his book, "Modern Americana." Mont, known for his mercurial and hot-tempered nature, counted gangsters like Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello among his clients, as well as Hollywood stars like Bob Hope. Mont's volatile behavior led to a prison sentence after assaulting a female colleague, who later committed suicide. His wife also mysteriously died after just 29 days of marriage, adding to Mont's dark legend.
Despite the controversies, Mont's work remains celebrated for its craftsmanship and artistic value. While some pieces might be considered tacky, many are exquisitely beautiful and well-made, showcasing Mont's showmanship and unique vision. Mont's legacy as an intriguing and influential figure in American midcentury design endures, with his works continuing to captivate collectors and designers alike.
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