As an artist attracted to the principles of Art Nouveau and a born teacher, in ambitious and original manner Charles L’Eplattenier (1874-1946) translated his enthusiasm into what amounted to a school in itself. His Advanced Course in Art and Decoration, initiated in October 1905, encouraged certain Art School students to study nature. Indeed, the idea that “only nature can inspire” drove the young professor and his pupils to the countryside to explore the local flora and fauna.Professor and pupils together went on to produce remarkable results in the way of numerous decorations (as private and public commissions), all of which testified to a strong work ethos. Their creations covered a wide range of objects, including watch cases, various decorative arts and even architecture. In the latter realm, the 1906 Villa Fallet project comes to mind (designed by Charles-Edouard Jeanneret). The crematorium (1909-1910), which stands out as the most exemplary of all the hands-on projects born of this art course, is considered to be the chef-d’oeuvre of this highly imaginative artistic period.
Official consecration of L’Eplattenier’s teaching came with the certificate of honour conferred on him at the International Exposition of Milan, for the 108 finely worked objects produced by his students.
