Bernard-Albin Gras – pioneer in lighting design

Bernard-Albin Gras

Bernard-Albin Gras was a French designer and engineer who revolutionized lighting design in the 20th century. He is best known for his iconic lamp, "Lampe Gras", created in 1921. Originally designed for industrial use, his lamps have become symbols of timeless functionality and aesthetics over time.

Bernard-Albin Gras

Bernard-Albin Gras was a French designer and engineer who revolutionized lighting design in the 20th century. He is best known for his iconic lamp, "Lampe Gras ", created in 1921. Originally designed for industrial use, his lamps have become symbols of timeless functionality and aesthetics over time.

Bernard-Albin Gras 1886 – 1943

Bernard-Albin Gras designed the Lampe Gras with a simplicity and robustness that was rare for its time. The lamp’s unique adjustability, without visible screws or springs, quickly made it popular among architects and designers alike. It has since become a beloved classic in the design world and is widely used in modern homes and offices. The Lampe Gras has also inspired a range of modern design lamps and is now considered a timeless part of industrial design history.

Today, the lamp is manufactured by DCWéditions, a brand dedicated to reviving and making historic design classics accessible. The Gras series offers a wide range of models to suit various needs and environments. From desk lamps to wall and ceiling lamps, all units in the series share the same basic design principles: simplicity, ergonomics, and robustness. Each lamp in the series is adjustable, making them incredibly practical and useful in both professional and private settings. With its timeless form and functionality, this series has become a favorite in modern homes, offices, and studios.

Early in his career, the Gras lamp gained admiration from the legendary architect Le Corbusier, who appreciated both its modern design and practical use. Le Corbusier used Gras lamps extensively in his own offices and projects worldwide, further elevating the lamp's status as a design icon. Several other prominent designers and architects, such as Robert Mallet-Stevens, Jacques Emile Ruhlmann, and Eileen Gray, followed in his footsteps and began using the lamp in their own works. Even artists like Sonia Delaunay and Georges Braque used the Gras lamp in their studios, demonstrating its versatility. It was the first time in history that a lamp became equally popular in both homes and office environments. Its timeless design and functionality made the Lampe Gras a universal product that could adapt to various settings.

Bernard-Albin Gras

Bernard-Albin Gras was a French designer and engineer who revolutionized lighting design in the 20th century. He is best known for his iconic lamp, "Lampe Gras ", created in 1921. Originally designed for industrial use, his lamps have become symbols of timeless functionality and aesthetics over time.