The name Lejeune has been synonymous with first class bronze founding for over 100 years. In about 1904, Emile and his wife Augustine, moved to London and created a bronze founding company that concentrated on ornamental bronzes and architectural fittings.
But with the advent of the automobile, the Lejeunes started creating car mascots:
“Emile was not only a clever bronze worker but also a talented sculptor. It is said (Michel Legrand – Mascottes Automobiles) that a friend and fellow sculptor, Charles Paillet, sold Emile Lejeune the mascotte ‘Plongeuse’ and from this model Emile created his iconic mascot the ‘Speed Nymph’, the design for which was registered in 1917. The success of this first mascot enabled Emile to commission work from some of the best known artists of the day with many existing patterns bear the initials of sculptors such as Coffin, Renevey and Charles Paillet. It was not long before Lejeune had established itself, and by 1929 was being described as “the world’s largest motor car mascot manufacturer” well as Established in 1910 as AE Lejeune (AEL) by Emil Lejeune and his wife Augustine, the company concentrated on small ornamental bronzes, decorative architechtural fittings and, with the spread of the automobile, car mascots. The first of these produced by the company was almost certainly the “Speed Nymph”, the design for which was registered in 1917. The success of this first mascot enabled Emil to commission work from some of the best known artists of the day; many existing patterns bear the initials of sculptors such as Frederic Bazin and Charles Paillet. It was not long before Lejeune had established itself, and by 1929 was being described as “the world’s largest motor car mascot manufacturer”.
Emile and Augustine separated in 1929 and he returned to France. Augustine and her son Louis took over the business in 1933 and thus the name Louis Lejeune Ltd. was born. They ran the company from 132 Great Portland Street, London until Louis’s death in 1969. In 1978, the sculptor Sir David Hughes bought the company and moved it from London to Wilburton in Cambridgeshire, where it continues to this day.
While the popularity of car mascots has declined over the years, the company continues to produce bronze sculptures of the highest quality using traditional materials and techniques. Sir David’s son Timothy has been running the company since 1998.
Lejeune is the name that sets the standard for the best in car mascots/hood ornaments. They can even be found on the vehicles of the royal family. In our opinion, nothing compares to the workmanship, detail and beauty of these pieces, which we consider a work of art.
Lejeune offers and range of over 400 original patterns and can be supplied in a number of finishes. While chrome-plated over bronze is the standard finish offered at Sporting Artisans, you may ask about other finishes that are available – such as bronze only and enameled finishes.
Most hood ornaments are attached by bolts through the hood and this is the standard way they are sold here. But many of the models can be safely attached by a set of strong magnets. Just ask us about this option.
Sir David Hughes contributed many additions to the range of hood ornaments as have others such as Anthony Maynard, Neil Dalrymple and Clark Waiting. New introductions will continue to be made and originality doesn’t stop there. Lejeune can be commissioned to create custom pieces to your specification.
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