François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne are one of the most creative couples of the last century, celebrated for their surrealist sculptural works. Their pieces are as functional as they are whimsical, whether it’s the belly of a hippopotamus hinging open to reveal a wet bar, tritones fused from unfurled leaves to form a fork, or a tangle of twigs intertwined to form a bench.

In celebration of François-Xavier and Claude’s ever-enchanting and whimsical sculptures, this tome, part of Assouline's Ultimate collection, explores some of their most iconic pieces from their rich body of work. Author Jean-Gabriel Mitterrand, the couple’s longtime gallerist and friend, pens a magnificent text that traces the Lalannes’s meteoric rise, from their early days in Paris’s Impasse Ronsin and their first show that caught the attention of gallerist Alexandre Iolas, to their lasting legacy as one of design’s most inventive and poetic masters.

Complimentary white gloves and signature canvas tote bag are included with each purchase from Assouline's Ultimate Collection

Jean-Gabriel Mitterrand opened his first gallery in 1988 in the 6th arrondissement of Paris; in 2003, it moved to rue du Temple, where it can still be found today. Mitterrand has nearly 45 years of experience collaborating with Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, and more than 20 exhibitions have been devoted to Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne at the gallery, which has also organised numerous renowned events in exceptional locations including the Château de Chenonceau in 1994, the Jardins de Bagatelle in 1998, and the Petit Trianon at the Château de Versailles in 2021. Over the years, Jean-Gabriel Mitterrand has become an incontrovertible expert on the art of Les Lalannes, and has produced a dozen books and catalogues dedicated to their work. Mitterrand is also director of the foundation for Niki de Saint Phalle’s “Tarot Garden” in Capalbio, as well as director of the Marta Pan Foundation. In addition, he is a member of the general assembly for Jean Tinguely’s “Cyclop” in Milly-la-Forêt. In 1998, he was made a Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur by President Jacques Chirac and has been an Officer of the Légion d’honneur since 2016 and an Officer of Arts et Lettres since 2012.

Assouline’s Ultimate Collection is an homage to the art of luxury bookmaking. Hand-bound using traditional techniques, with color plates hand-tipped on art-quality paper, each page of this limited-edition series bears the unique imprint of the artisan. Treating a range of topics from jewelry and fashion, fine art and the ‘Impossible Collections,’ the Ultimate Collection curates culture from around the world and across the ages. Nestled in linen clamshell presentation cases, these books attract collectors, lovers of the printed page, and those who devour the culture of our time. Signaling a new level of sophistication for true connoisseurs, these unique books are works of art in their own right.

Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne’s Oeuvre Extends Far Beyond Chic Sheep; By Ted Loos, 1st DIBS Online (USA), February 2023

Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne’s Oeuvre Extends Far Beyond Chic Sheep; By: Ted Loos, 1st DIBS Online (USA), February 2023

Claude et François-Xavier Lalanne à l'honneur d'un beau livre; By: Athéna Rivas, Architectural Digest Online (France), January 2023

Les meilleurs idées de cadeaux de Noël pour les fans d'art et de design; By: Jade Simon, Vogue Online (France), December 2022