Jacques Dumond
1906 - 1988
Jacques Dumond (1906–1988) was an influential French designer and architect, renowned for his modernist approach to furniture and interior design.
He studied at the École Boulle from 1923 to 1927, specializing in cabinetmaking and developing his skills in furniture design. After completing his studies, he interned with the architect Patout. His first major project, completed in 1927, was a villa built in Romania for a French minister.
His true career began in 1943, when he designed a highly ergonomic rattan armchair with graceful, flowing lines.
In 1947, he designed the furnishings for General Charles de Gaulle’s office. Dumond also contributed to significant projects for the Élysée Palace and other government institutions, including work for the Chief of Protocol and General Eisenhower. His creations also included furniture for Crédit National and the French Mint and Medals Administration.
Dumond was a regular participant in the Salons of Decorative Artists, the Salon d’Automne, and the Household Arts Fair. In 1951, at the Milan Triennale, he presented and represented French luxury furniture. Three years later, he organized the exhibition for the International Congress of Industrial Aesthetics.
The following year, he took part in designing the interiors of the French Embassy in Saarbrücken. An active member of the Union des Artistes Modernes (UAM) since 1945, Dumond believed in the seamless integration of furniture into architecture. He championed the use of innovative materials such as Formica and glass, combined with a clean, functional aesthetic.
His design philosophy emphasized durability and responsiveness to both individual and collective needs. He also taught at the École Camondo and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD).
Despite his involvement in public commissions, he remained devoted to a private clientele. For him, luxury was a driving force in the evolution of French decorative arts.
Thus, Jacques Dumond left a lasting mark on a postwar generation of designers through his modern vision and bold experimentation with materials.
Chronology
1923–1927: Studied at the École Boulle, specializing in cabinetmaking.
1927: Internship with architect Patout and construction of a villa in Romania.
1944: Began regularly exhibiting at the Salons des Artistes Décorateurs.
1945: Became a member of the UAM (Union des Artistes Modernes) and the SAD (Société des Artistes Décorateurs).
1947: Designed furniture for General Charles de Gaulle’s office.
1951: Participated in the Milan Triennale, representing French luxury furniture.
1953: Organized the exhibition for the International Congress of Industrial Aesthetics.
1954: Designed the reception rooms of the French Embassy in Saarbrücken.
1958: Served as interior architect for the Paris Pavilion at the Brussels World’s Fair.
1961: Appointed chief architect of the French section at the Turin World’s Fair.
1963: Chief architect of the Formes industrielles exhibition in Paris.
1967: Began teaching contemporary interior architecture at the École Camondo, until 1975.
1988: Death of Jacques Dumond.
