Paul Dupré-Lafon

Paul Dupré-Lafon was a French designer and architect known for his Art Deco furniture. Melding a Cubist philosophy with mid-century Modern design, his works were often composed of stone, chromed steel, and hardwood. Born on June 17, 1900 in Marseille, France, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts de Marseille as a painter before dedicating himself to architecture and design. During the 1920s and 1930s he worked for the famed company Hermès, creating ashtrays, lamps, and other accessories. Despite completing massive architectural projects, including Parisian mansions and private hotels, Dupré-Lafon refused to exhibit his work in expositions and salons. The artist died in December of 1971 in Deauville, France.