Jean-Louis Avril : Un architecte du carton

With its taut lines and generous volumes, Jean-Louis Avril's (1935-2025) furniture occupies a unique place in the French design landscape of the 1960s and 1970s. Inspired by brutalist architecture, the designer developed avant-garde furniture made from a novel material, Celloderme, which he appreciated for its warm appearance and artisanal finish. His Éléphant armchair and Lune lamp are now among his most iconic pieces.

A visionary in his ethical approach, Avril championed responsible design, and his works, which straddle the line between functionality and artistic manifesto, continue to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This book pays tribute to this seminal designer, whose bold approach evokes another history of 20th-century design.