Born: 1886.\ Death: 1943.\ Known works: La Lampe Gras series.\ Education: Architect.
Back in 1922, Bernard-Albin Gras designed a series of lamps intended for use in offices and industry. The Gras lamp, as it was later called, was totally unique with its simple, robust and yet very ergonomic design. The basic shape has no screws or welded joints. In 1927, the Ravel company bought the patent for La Lampe Gras and started production of the lamps.
Bernard-Albin Gras was one of the most innovative designers to 'visit' the 20th century, and Gras left a good, solid mark that we can still enjoy today. The functional and aesthetic exudes from his lamps, and especially the design of the individual details such as the arms, bodies, brackets, joints and feet were fantastically original, well thought out and way ahead of their time.
Le Corbusier was seduced early on by the modern design behind La Lampe Gras and the extensive user-friendliness of the lamps, and he became one of Bernard-Albin Gras' most enthusiastic supporters. The lamps could be found in Le Corbusier's own office, but they were also used in many of his projects around the world. Others such as Robert Mallet-Stevens, Jacques Emile Ruhlmann and Eileen Gray also jumped on the bandwagon. Famous artists who used La Lampe Gras lamps in their studios include Sonia Delaunay and Georges Braque. This is probably the first time a lamp ended up being as popular in professional environments as in private homes. Today, the La Lampe Gras lamp has become a sought-after collector's item all over the world, especially in France, the USA and Japan. Bernard-Albin Gras' talented and visionary design has proven to be timeless.