Jean Prouvé Sunbreaker architectural metal shade

‘I’m not an architect; I’m not an engineer – I’m a factory man,’ said metal worker and self-taught industrial designer Jean Prouvé (1901–1984). The son of Victor Prouvé, an artist and co-founder of the influential École de Nancy, and pianist Marie Duhamel, he went on to become one of the 20th century’s most influential furniture designers. A close collaborator of Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier, he elevated honest, durable design with engineering brilliance.

An imposing presence in steel and aluminium, this rare ‘Sunbreaker’ shade was once a brise soleil on the façade of the former centre for agriculture and forestry in the French town of Charleville-Mezières. At one time hundreds of such elements would have shaded buildings for which Prouvé acted as designer or fabricator, though they rarely become available on the open market. Metal feet have been added at a later date, recasting the shade as a standalone piece.

In good vintage condition.

H252 W210 D50cm

L026