Jean Prouvé

Jean Prouvé was a French industrial designer with a portfolio of work that encompassed 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 lightweight metal furniture. He was regarded as a pioneer of his time, and his designs focused on functionality and materials 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.

"I’m not an architect; I’m not an engineer – I’m a factory man." - Jean Prouvé