Jean Prouvé & Charles & Ray Eames: Constructive Furniture

In the fields of design, architecture, and engineering, Jean Prouvé (1901–1984) is widely considered one of the most versatile and innovative designers of the 20th century. Yet surprisingly, only a relatively small number of collectors and cognoscente outside France are familiar with his work. Alongside Charles and Ray Eames, to whose oeuvre Vitra has dedicated itself since 1957, Jean Prouvé can truly be considered the second major “constructor” in 20th century design. The small book delves into the manifest differences between the Eames’ work and Prouvé’s designs – differences that are quite evidently the product of the respective technological climate in which these marvelous designers were active. For many years now, the Vitra Design Museum collection has focused on Jean Prouvé as well as Charles and Ray Eames.

Though lacking any formal education in architecture, Jean Prouvé (1901–84) became one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, boldly experimenting with new building designs, materials and methods. “His postwar work has left its mark everywhere,” wrote Le Corbusier, “decisively.”

Charles and Ray Eames, perhaps the most famous design partnership of twentieth-century America, did pioneering work in furniture, film, architecture, and exhibition design.