Born in 1908, Denise Gatard studied at the “École d’arts appliqués” of Paris, then she took drawing lessons at the “Académie de la Grande Chaumière” and she worked in Jean Dunand‘s workshop, the famous Art deco lacquer, where she learned the art of lacquer.

In 1931, she married Jean Gatard, a member of the Resistance, who was executed by the Nazis in 1943. It was during their many trips to Indochina and then to Algeria and Morocco that she familiarized with clay modelling. After the WWII, as a widow, she returned to Paris to live with her younger brother George Jouve, then she moved to rue Guénégaud before taking a workshop at 10 rue de Buci. Her brother had an important influence on her works, especially through the use of the light green and yellow enamels, but also in the design of the form and the art of “Beau dans l’utile”.

From 1947, she developed a magnificent enamel in golden lustre and created vases, mirrors, ashtrays, small bowls, as well as ceramic buttons for the great couturiers. In the 50’s, she even created a series of jewels.

Her production was essentially distributed by Parisian galleries “L’Arcade” and “Siècle”. Her pieces were also exhibited in interior decors designed by Maurice Pré, her second husband. Until 1965, Denise Gatard participated to the “Salon des Artistes Décorateurs” and the “Salon des Arts Ménagers”.

She stopped creating usual objects to make jewellery only.