Pierre Chapo

French designer Pierre Chapo (1927-1987) left a significant legacy in the world of design with his commitment to craftsmanship and distinctive style. Born into a family of artisans in Paris, Chapo initially aspired to be a painter but ultimately pursued architecture after apprenticing with a shipwright. Graduating from the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris in 1958, Chapo quickly gained international acclaim for his modernist creations focused on craftsmanship and expert use of wood.
After establishing his own studio in Clamart and opening La Galerie Chapo in Paris, he exhibited not only his own designs but also those of other artists, including Isamu Noguchi. Influenced by figures such as Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, Chapo created iconic pieces like the S11 Chair and the T22 L’Oeil Coffee Table.
Settling in Gordes from 1967 onwards, Chapo continued his practice while teaching in Europe and abroad. Unfortunately, his career was cut short in 1983 by a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but his work continues to be admired for its attention to detail and lasting influence in the world of design.