Max Ingrand

Max Ingrand, born on December 20, 1908, in Bressuire and passing away on August 25, 1969, in Paris, was a French master glassmaker, decorator, and designer renowned for his significant contributions to the fields of glass and lighting. Trained at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts and the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris, he studied under Jacques Grüber and Charles Lemaresquier.

In 1931, Ingrand founded his own workshop, specializing in stained glass and glass engraving. He created notable works for religious buildings, including the stained glass windows of Sainte-Agnès Church in Maisons-Alfort, and in 1937, he contributed to the design of the stained glass windows of Notre-Dame de Paris.

After World War II, during which he was taken prisoner, Ingrand played a key role in the restoration of damaged stained glass windows. He was responsible for the creation or restoration of stained glass in numerous cathedrals and churches, including Rouen Cathedral, Strasbourg Cathedral, Beauvais Cathedral, and Saint-Pierre Church in Yvetot, which houses one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe.

In 1954, Ingrand was appointed artistic director of the Italian company Fontana Arte, a position he held until 1967. Under his leadership, he designed iconic lighting pieces, blending innovation and refined aesthetics, helping to establish the brand’s international reputation.

In 1968, he founded Verre Lumière, one of the first producers of halogen lamps, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to innovation in lighting design. Max Ingrand passed away in 1969, leaving behind a lasting legacy in design and the art of glassmaking.