Roger Worms French, 1907-1980

Roger Worms (1907–1980) was a French painter, lithographer and decorative artist, celebrated for his vibrant figurative compositions, landscapes, still lifes and scenes of everyday life. Born in Épernay, France, on 19 June 1907, he studied at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, where he later returned as a professor, sharing his knowledge with a new generation of artists.

During the 1930s, Worms gained recognition as a promising young artist and was commissioned to create decorative works for the Sports Pavilion at the 1937 International Exhibition in Paris. His career was interrupted by the Second World War, during which his ability to exhibit was restricted by the antisemitic laws of the period. After the war, he returned to exhibiting and continued to develop a distinctive style characterised by optimism, colour and a strong sense of harmony.

Worms' paintings are notable for their brilliant palette, expressive use of form and joyful interpretation of the world around him. He painted a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, harbour scenes, still lifes, figures and interiors, often imbuing everyday moments with warmth and vitality. His work reflects the influence of twentieth-century French colourists, with an emphasis on balance, rhythm and the emotional power of colour.

Alongside painting, Worms worked as a decorator and designer, collaborating with the prestigious Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres and creating large-scale mural commissions, including works for public buildings. His paintings are held in several French public collections, including the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.

Today, Roger Worms is appreciated as an important figure in twentieth-century French figurative painting, admired for his uplifting compositions, refined technique and enduring celebration of colour and light.