Bernard-Albin Gras

Bernard-Albin Gras (1886–1943), a French designer and engineer, was a pioneering figure in twentieth-century lighting design. His name is primarily associated with a specific type of lamp, the Lampe Gras, which he conceived in 1921 as part of a series of inventions aimed at improving working conditions in factories of the time. The original purpose of the Lampe Gras was to provide practical illumination for a precise point on a work surface, while also allowing it to be easily repositioned without the need to move heavy structures. The result was an essential yet highly functional lamp, free of screws and welded joints, characterized by a fully adjustable arm. It quickly became a must-have in professional settings such as mechanical workshops, factories, laboratories, and artists’ studios (it was notably used by painters such as Georges Braque and Sonia Delaunay). The Lampe Gras was soon introduced into residential interiors by the great Le Corbusier, who had fallen in love with its perfect efficiency. In 1927, the patent was acquired by the company Ravel, which began mass production. Today, it has returned to production with great success under the French brand DCW éditions.