Max Ingrand France, 1908-1969

Max Ingrand was born in 1908 in Bressuire, France. He studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris where he specialized in decorative art. In 1931 Ingrand established his own workshop, where he experimented transparency, and light, notably with stained glass.  During the thirties, he was commissioned to work on public buildings and churches. 

During the Second World War, he was made prisoner and held captive in Germany for five years. When he returned to France, he became one of the most prolific glassmakers of the country and took part in the reconstruction effort.  

In the 1950s, Ingrand began designing glass lighting and was appointed artistic director of Italian lighting company Fontana Arte, which he led on the path of modernism and excellence.

 In 1967 Ingrand left Fontana Arte and founded his own company, Verre Lumière, which was among the first to produce halogen lamps.

Max Ingrand died suddenly in 1969, short time after having been awarded the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his achievements in design.