French born Pierre Chapo was set to become a painter. However, a serendipitous encounter with a shipbuilder changed his mind: by discovering woodworking and carpentry, Chapo decided to study architecture. Soon after graduating, he traveled the world and returned to Paris in the 1950s to open a gallery and design exceptionally well crafted wooden furniture. His work balanced his interest for traditional crafts and his eye for the modernist aesthetic. He befriended artists – Isamu Noguchi’s works were on show in Chapo’s gallery- and worked for cultural icons, including Samuel Beckett for whom he designed the “Godot Bed”. His sturdy, yet elegant designs are sought after by collectors.