Born in Nancy, Gilbert Valentin first discovered ceramics in the commune of Dieulefit in southeastern France, a small town with a rich history in the artform reaching back nearly 2,000 years. He further expanded his abilities with a professional ceramics apprenticeship at the National School of Vierzon (now Lycée Henri-Brisson) followed by a stint as a ceramic engineer at the Lunéville-Saint-Clément pottery. In 1950, Valentin moved to Vallauris, yet another city with a historic ceramic tradition, and founded his own pottery which he named Les Archanges. There, he hosted and worked with a multitude of artists, painters, sculptors, musicians, and writers, including Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Jean Cocteau. Valentin’s ceramics are characterized by robust, sculptural forms and vivid, often abstract decoration.
Irving Richards founded Raymor, a leading American design company in the mid-20th century, known for importing and distributing modernist furniture, lighting, and decorative objects. With a focus on Italian, Scandinavian, and American designers, Raymor introduced modern European styles to post-World War II America.
Raymor's collections featured designers like Gio Ponti, Ettore Sottsass, and George Nelson, helping shape mid-century modern aesthetics and making high-quality design more accessible.
A key success was Richards’ promotion of Russel Wright's work, which gained widespread popularity through Raymor. Richards collaborated with Wright to launch Russel Wright, Inc., further expanding the reach of Wright’s iconic designs, particularly his American Modern dinnerware line. This partnership underscored Raymor’s role not just as a distributor, but as a driving force in advancing modernist design.
Throughout his career, Irving Richards played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of 20th-century design, particularly American design. His visionary approach not only popularized modern forms but also redefined them as both functional and stylish, making them accessible and desirable for everyday use in American homes. By championing innovative designers and fostering collaborations, Richards left an indelible mark on the modernist movement, cementing his legacy as a driving force behind the widespread adoption of modern design in postwar America.
