Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) was an extraordinary, unconventional designer who followed his instincts along the rugged paths of creativity. He was the first to bring modernist d?cor to the ?lys?e Palace; his vintage Tongue, Ribbon and Groovy armchairs have achieved cult status, and his modular furniture systems are now sought after by art collectors. He designed sculptural seating using tubes, foam and fabric covers in pop colours as well as handcrafted collections intended for seats of power; industrial products as well as interiors, giving voice to the spirit of the age. Over half a century, he achieved the feat of exploring every facet of design with a talent that still resonates today. As its name implies, La biblioth?que de l'Amateur is an art lover's library, retracing the creative history of the 20th century in the fields of architecture, design and the decorative arts.