Jean Prouvé

Jean Prouvé was a French industrial designer, with a portfolio of work that encompasses a variety of pieces from letter openers to prefabricated houses. He is best known for his work with metal, after training as a blacksmith he harnessed a strong knowledge of metal - which became the foundation of his designs. Keen to embrace the modern movement, he eventually moved on to adding steel and aluminium to his materials, before opening Atelier Jean Prouvé in 1931, where he produced light weight metal furniture. He was classed as a pioneer of his time and his designs focused purely on functionality and the materials being used, rather than just the aesthetic appeal of products.

Due to the scarcity of steel after World War 2, Prouvé began moving into wooden furniture. Until his death in 1984 Prouvé spent his time as a lecturer, architect and furniture designer. His work is included in private and public collections worldwide, including Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Germany.