French, 1901-1984

A blacksmith by training, Prouve worked as a craftsman, designer, manufacturer, architect, teacher and engineer. In Nancy, France 1923 He opened what would be the first of many workshops and studios. He produced wrought iron lamps, chandeliers, hand rails and the first of many furniture creations. Then in 1931 he opened his most success and most well known, Ateliers Jean Prouvé. Jean designed with an emphasis on economy and accessibility and wanting to unite affordable, yet aesthetically pleasing design solutions  such as seen with his prefabricated houses which came equipped with  furniture. His studio went on design and furnish offices, hospitals, café’s and schools. His works stood out and contrasted the design of the time with his use of lacquered painted steel and wood. He was close friends and collaborator with Charlotte Perriand as well as her contemporaries Jeanneret and Corbusier, in which they worked on various personal projects and commissions together.