Pierre Paulin

Pierre Paulin

Pierre Paulin (1927–2009, France) is one of the defining figures of modern furniture design. After studying sculpture and design at the École Camondo in Paris (1947–1950), he began working in the studios of renowned interior designers before presenting his own furniture designs for the first time in the early 1950s. In 1953, he exhibited his work at the Grand Palais in Paris and, shortly afterwards, began collaborating with manufacturers such as Thonet Frères (the company’s French branch) and, in particular, Artifort. His collaboration with Artifort was to last for almost half a century and produced various iconic pieces, such as his famous Mushroom Chair (1959) and the Tongue Chair (1968).

Paulin developed a distinctive design language characterised by soft, sculptural forms, low proportions and technically innovative upholstery solutions, which can also be seen in iconic designs such as the Pacha Lounge Chair, the F300 Lounge Chair and the T877 Side Table, which are now produced by Gubi . The Danish brand Gubi now produces these Paulin classics as licensed re-editions, bringing them back onto the market in an updated form – technically revised, yet stylistically faithful to the original.

In addition to his work in furniture design, Paulin also worked as an interior designer, creating, amongst other things, areas of the Élysée Palace for French presidents as well as parts of the Louvre. In 1975, he founded the design agency ADSA, through which he also realised projects outside the field of furniture design. His works are now regarded as key classics of the 20th century and feature in major collections worldwide.