Kim Moltzer The World of
The World of
Kim Moltzer
This book is a tribute to Kim Moltzer’s (1938-2015) remarkable talent and lasting influence. It highlights his most iconic creations, telling the story of a designer who continually redefined the boundaries of form and material.
From the modernism of the 1970s, to his very own magical realism of the 1980s, Moltzer crafted a body of work that blurred the line between function and fantasy. His oeuvre remains a source of inspiration for contemporary designers and collectors alike.
Initio Arts and Design invites the reader to step into Kim Moltzer’s world – a world where creativity knew no limit, where design and nature intertwined, and where every piece tells a story of innovation and artistry.
During the late-1960s the boundaries between art and design blurred under the influence of a vibrant youth. Traditional norms were questioned, and new creative possibilities emerged. It was in this dynamic context that Kim Moltzer, alongside his friend and collaborator, architect Jean-Paul Barray, founded E.C.F.I. (Études, Construction, Formes, Industrielles). Their studio became a platform for experimentation, focusing on industrial design and interior architecture. Working both individually and as a duo, Moltzer and Barray explored innovative forms and materials, including aluminium, steel, glass, plexiglass, and bentwood.
One of their earliest creations was the Rosace table, produced by Design SA. With a die-cast aluminium structure, the table was designed to adapt to two different heights and was available with a clear or smoked glass tabletop in hexagonal or triangular shapes. This piece exemplified Moltzer’s interest in modularity and flexibility, key principles of the era’s evolving design philosophy.
1-2 Rosace series, 1960s. aluminium and glass
Photos: L'Oeil, March 1969
Coffee Table
chrome-plated metal, glass H46 x W86 x D86 cm 1960s-1970s
Photo: Emese Tóthová
18-20
Display Cabinet chrome-plated and brass finish metal, clear and black glass
H184 x W98 x D30 cm 1970s
Photo: Emese Tóthová
Gunnera armchair, outdoors.
Pic Boeuf Table Lamp
and patinated bronze H48 x W14 cm
Bambou Floor Lamp chiseled and patinated bronze
small: H141 x W110 x D110 cm
large: H233 x W135 x D135 cm
The
The World of Kim Moltzer
This book was published in conjunction with the exhibition The World of Kim Moltzer organized by Initio Arts & Design at the Marché Paul Bert Serpette, 4th of April to the 5th of May, 2025.
Publisher: Initio Arts & Design, Paris / Budapest
Editors:
Bálint Ferenczy & Marie Tourre de Robien
Author: Marie Tourre de Robien
Graphic design and image processing: Benedek Regős
Typeface:
ABC Synt (Kaj Lehmann / Dinamo)
GT Walsheim (Noël Leu, Mirco Schiavone / Grilli Type)
Printing and bounding: Elektroproduct Nyomdaipari Kft., Budapest
Photography credits:
©Architectural Digest ©Jean-Paul Barray ©Jean-François Bellemère ©L’Oeil ©Isabelle Moltzer ©Kim Moltzer ©Jean-Baptiste Pellerin ©Emese Tóthová ©Faustine Cornette de Saint Cyr ©Dániel Szalai
The publisher made every effort to identify the owners of the illustrations in the catalogue; missing data will be added in accordance with the information provided. Any individual or company holding reproduction rights are invited to contact the publisher.
Our gratitude goes to Kim Moltzer’s family, especially to Isabelle Moltzer for their generous involvement during all the phases of the development of this book.
© 2025 Initio Arts & Design SARL and Initio Fine Arts Kft. Texts © the authors.
All rights reserved, including any reproduction.
The World of
Kim Moltzer