Archi cool : Artifort & Paulin, Passionately arty for 65 years

I’m not sure if I prefer celebrating a wedding or being invited to a birthday party… Bowigo, a distributor of design objects and furniture, specializing in interior design, allowed me to combine both by celebrating the rosewood wedding last June in its showroom in Roanne. The event marked the centennial collaboration between Artifort, the famous design furniture manufacturer, and the renowned visionary designer Pierre Paulin.

Indeed, 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of the successful collaboration between this legendary designer and Artifort, the Dutch publisher. Since the 1960s, they have formed one of the most influential partnerships in the history of modern design. Over the decades, this ‘couple’ has given birth to a remarkable collection of timeless masterpieces, many of which are still part of Artifort’s permanent collection today.

Before recounting this delightful evening honoring both parties, let’s take a moment to reflect on the two key players in this fruitful union.

On one side, a manufacturer of distinguished, comfortable, and functional furniture, founded in 1890 in Maastricht, Netherlands. Thanks to artisanal craftsmanship and production techniques that have remained at the forefront over time, Artifort has successfully combined art (ars) and strength (forte), celebrating avant-garde design that endures, creating precious objects that have become and continue to be an integral part of our lives and cultures.

« Since the 20th century, Artifort, renowned for its ability to transform furniture into art and redefine the boundaries between form and function, has collaborated with some of the world’s greatest designers. In doing so, it has pushed the limits of manufacturing possibilities, creating highly coveted pieces. Thus, the foundations of this company, now based in Schijndel, were laid by classic icons. It has become the one that shapes a precious legacy with the supreme mission of ensuring these emblems never fade.

So, when Mr. Pierre Paulin, in the late 1950s, sought to have his very contemporary shell chair published in a France still strongly influenced by more traditional and conventional furniture, it was only natural that Artifort saw in this creation a promising seat. The iconic ‘Mushroom’ was born, and the union between the two ‘partners’ was officially sealed. This chair made an immediate strong impression at the International Furniture Fair, organized by Kho Lang Ie, then Artifort’s artistic director, who recognized in this creation the striking, timeless, and progressive sculptural form that we still adore today. Soon after, Paulin became an independent designer at Artifort. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration.

The bond between Artifort and Paulin has always been built, like that of lovers, on mutual trust, but also on a shared quest for relevance and an unwavering desire to innovate. Pierre Paulin’s pioneering concepts were skillfully translated into reality by Artifort’s skilled craftsmen. The brilliant designer found in the Dutch company a progressive and open-minded partner, willing to invest in his radical visions.

From their union came, in addition to the famous ‘Mushroom,’ true masterpieces like the ‘Orange Slice,’ the ‘Ribbon,’ and the ‘Tulip.’ Thus, throughout the 60s and 70s, these creations revolutionized interiors, shaping the aesthetics of a new generation. In fact, it is these iconic designs by Pierre Paulin that Artifort has chosen to celebrate the 65th anniversary of their collaboration through an ‘Anniversary Edition,’ paying contemporary tribute to the iconic aesthetics of the 60s and 70s. Each piece will be produced in only 65 numbered editions, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity highlighting its status as a limited edition and its lasting value.

An exclusive, reinterpreted textile has been chosen, featuring a richly textured weave of undulating, raised lines that evoke the graphic elegance and somewhat psychedelic vibe of the era. The functional design object inevitably becomes a collector’s item—a standout piece in any interior. To personalize one’s décor, several options are indeed possible: standing out with unique wallpaper, bold colors, beautiful vintage objects, or even an iconic design piece, or perhaps even a work of art. With these collector anniversary pieces, the last two options merge without hesitation.

Let’s now talk about that memorable anniversary evening held at Bowigo’s showroom in Roanne, which has always been great at showcasing renowned design brands. What was truly exciting was the opportunity to admire, touch, and try out a rare collection of all these iconic pieces designed by Pierre Paulin. After all, there’s no better way to appreciate the design of these chairs than through a sculptural experience that is not only visually striking but also exceptionally comfortable.

Thanks to this evening, I was able to put theory into practice and finally understand for certain how the fluid and ergonomic shapes of these chairs had challenged conventional furniture design 65 years ago, in such a visionary and bold way. Paulin himself said: ‘A chair must be more than just functional.’ By trying each of these chairs, I was able to imagine how deeply the study of the human body had been considered, both by the designer and the manufacturer, to ensure they embraced the body’s curves, and how they questioned the relationship between the two with the structure. Sitting in the famous Ribbon, for example, I realized that one could only sit in it elegantly! I was also able to savor Artifort’s innovative, timeless, and delightfully colorful design.

These pieces of furniture undoubtedly have a soul and are built to withstand the whims of fashion. Pierre Paulin’s genius lay in his ability to anticipate the future, to shape it through his intuition and creativity. In fact, he once confided: ‘My favorite design is the one yet to come, whether by me or by a future generation.’ His partnership with Artifort is a testament to how true innovation is born from the meeting of visionary creativity and artisanal craftsmanship.

It’s this kind of union that continues to inspire the design world to this day. In fact, despite the passing of this genius designer, his talent endures thanks to the production of his iconic pieces. During his lifetime, he famously designed the interiors of Presidents Pompidou and Mitterrand at the Élysée Palace. This year, his ‘Moulin’ chairs feature a deep blue in the café of the Maison Élysée, orchestrated by the Sarah Lavoine studio, 16 years after his passing… The Artifort-Paulin collaboration survives and even thrives posthumously. Thankfully, the legacy is being passed on.

Before continuing to be a spectator of the success of this duo for many more years to come, I warmly thank Maud and Floris from Bowigo, as well as Hélène from Artifort, for having, for one evening, been the witnesses of this fruitful union and for having made me the delighted guest at this wedding anniversary. I’m sure that everyone, like me, wishes for the renewal of the vows of this eternal love.