Philippe Barbier

1960-1980

The Signature of Parisian Lighting

A designer and manufacturer based in Paris, Philippe Barbier left his mark on the 1960s and 70s with lighting of absolute elegance. His boutique on rue du Pré-aux-Clercs was a meeting place for decorators in search of pieces able to structure space through light. He was one of the first to import Italian minimalist design while preserving a distinctly French craftsmanship.

The Aesthetic: Purity and Minerality

The Barbier style stands out for its simple geometric forms — often the egg, the cylinder or the cube — magnified by fine materials. His lamps are not merely light sources but sculptural bases that showcase the raw beauty of stone or the shine of polished metal.

Materials: Travertine, marble, stainless steel, brushed brass and alum stone.

Icons: The ‘Œuf’ (Egg) lamp in travertine, the column lamps in chromed metal and the coffee tables in brushed steel.

A Classic of Luxury Decoration

Today, Philippe Barbier is a safe bet for collectors. His lamps are especially prized for their ability to fit into very different interiors, bringing a mineral presence and a highly sophisticated, softened light. They are the essential accessory to complement furniture by Maison Jansen or Willy Rizzo.