Charlotte Perriand

An important figure in 20th C furniture design, Perriand was first known for her designs in steel and glass, and later for her use of organic materials. Inspired by Corbusier’s writings, his initial dismissiveness proved a challenge to be overcome – she spent a decade working in his office, and continued to collaborate into the 1960’s. Léger – she took a studio above his – was a close friend and collaborator on politically-engaged projects. Other close friends included Calder and Miró (her daughter detected their influence). Prouvé was another longstanding collaborator, her friend Noguchi more briefly so. Niemeyer was befriended in Brazil, Yanagi in Japan.