pierre paulin 1927-2009

image courtesy of pierre paulin

french designer pierre paulin, famed for his unusually shaped chairs,
died at the age of 81 this past saturday, june 14th in montepellier, france.
he was a well-known figure in the world of design for over half a century
designing seats shaped like mushrooms and tongues, in a range of bright colours,
for which he received much recognition. his designs have now found their way
into major museums across the world such as the new york's museum of modern art,
the museum of decorative arts in paris and london's victoria and albert museum.
his work was a favourite to former french presidents - georges pompidou and francois mitterrand
chose him to furnish the presidential palace. his tables and chairs are still furnishing the
elysee palace in paris, with his sofas, bookcase and desk adorning other rooms.
born in paris on july 9, 1927, paulin was influenced by japanese drawing and american designers
charles and ray eames. this led him to design furniture which was simple, functional
and hard-wearing. paulin will be cremated on tuesday after a private ceremony in
nimes, in southern france.


'flower flume', 2009 by pierre paulin


'pumpkin seating', 2007 by pierre paulin


'ribbon chair', 1966 by pierre paulin





'mushroom chair',1959 by pierre paulin