Guariche, Pierre

Designer and architect Pierre Guariche was an important voice in the Modernist movement of post-war France. Guariche studied under René Gabriel at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and began showing his work in his early 20s. In 1954 he founded the Atelier des Recherches Plastiques (Plastics Research Workshop) with Joseph-Andre Motte and Michel Mortier. Guariche is perhaps best known for his work with the Belgian firm Meurop, where he designed high-quality affordable furniture, specializing in chairs and multidirectional, articulated lighting. His laminated plywood Tonneau chair (1954) for Steiner is a classic of the era.