About Jean Prouvé
Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) was a self-taught French metalworker, architect and designer celebrated for blending manufacturing technology with architectural aesthetics. Born in Nancy, France, Prouvé was shaped by the artistic ideals of the École de Nancy, which emphasized the fusion of art and industry. His early work focused on wrought iron designs, eventually transitioning to modernist creations using folded metal plates. Prouvé's diverse career spanned architectural, industrial, structural and furniture design. He established 'Ateliers Jean Prouvé' in 1931, collaborating with notable architects and designers.
His groundbreaking work included prefabricated buildings, portable barracks and mass-produced furniture. After World War II, Prouvé concentrated on mass production techniques using new materials like aluminum. Despite business setbacks, he continued to contribute to significant projects, collaborating with prominent figures such as Le Corbusier and Alexander Calder. Prouvé's legacy is preserved in major museums, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the MoMA in New York. His designs remain influential to this day, attracting notable collectors such as Brad Pitt and Marc Jacobs.