French designer Jean-Claude Duboys to be shown in Australia for the first time at Design Show Australia 2026 A multi-generational family effort brings the Art of the French designer to Australian audiences for the first time at ICC Sydney.

Les amis de jean claude duboys

French designer Jean-Claude Duboys will be presented in Australia for the first time at Design Show Australia 2026, at ICC Sydney from 11–13 June 2026. The presentation introduces Australian audiences to a designer whose Art occupies a distinctive place within post-war French design: furniture and lighting of uncommon clarity, lightness and intelligence, shaped by a rare synthesis of structural discipline and formal grace.

Graduating first in his class from the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) in Paris in 1962, he began his career working on major interior architecture projects including Maison de la Radio in Paris, design studies for the Israeli ocean liner Shalom, and national architectural competitions. He presented his art at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Le Louvres in Paris and at the Beaubourg Museum also in Paris. Auguste Rodin, Henry Martisse, Philippe Stark and Charles Garnier are among the ENSAD Alumni.

Duboys belonged to a generation of French designers for whom modernity was not a matter of spectacle, but of precision. Across furniture and lighting, he developed an approach defined by balance, economy of means and an exacting understanding of use. Long before sustainability, adaptability and compact living became central design concerns, his work was already exploring those questions through objects that are elegant, materially disciplined and deeply attuned to everyday life.

This Australian presentation is being realised by the Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association together with family members who have devoted years to preserving the designer's archives, drawings, photographs and original works. What began as an act of safeguarding gradually became a larger project of transmission: a sustained, multi-generational effort to restore visibility to a body of work whose relevance has only deepened with time.

"To present Jean-Claude Duboys in Australia for the first time is profoundly meaningful for our family," said Patrick Duboys. "It represents both an introduction to a remarkable body of work and the fulfilment of a long-held commitment to preserve and pass on his legacy."
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier
Among the works on view is the Programme A Lounge Chair (1978), one of the most eloquent expressions of Duboys' design philosophy. Its measured geometry, visual rhythm and material restraint speaks to a practice in which comfort, utility and beauty are resolved with unusual subtlety. Seen now, the work feels less like a historical artefact than a proposition that remains urgently contemporary.

The Australian dimension of the project gives the presentation additional resonance. More than two decades ago, Patrick Duboys, then living in Sydney, resolved to help bring wider recognition to his uncle's work. That intention now returns to the city in which it was formed, while a broader family connection to Melbourne extends the exhibition's dialogue between France and Australia. The result is not simply a debut, but a story of continuity: between generations, between places and between design history and the present.

Media facts
Event
Design Show Australia 2026
Dates
11–13 June 2026
Venue
ICC Sydney
Stand
#2206
Exhibitor
Jean‑Claude Duboys
Media contact
Patrick Duboys | [email protected] | +33 6 08 02 54 50

MEDIA KIT
This section provides supporting background for journalists, editors, curators and design writers, including key facts, story angles, biography, recognition, featured works and media resources.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Duboys' work speaks directly to current design priorities: adaptable furniture, efficient use of materials, compact living, durability and craftsmanship. The Australian debut offers a timely opportunity to introduce a broader audience to a designer whose ideas feel highly current.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

STORY ANGLES
•
The first Australian presentation of Jean-Claude Duboys' work at Design Show Australia 2026.
•
A multi-generational family effort to preserve and share the legacy of a French designer.
•
A design story that aligns with current interest in sustainability, adaptability and enduring craftsmanship.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

SHORT VERSIONS
30 words: French designer Jean-Claude Duboys will be shown in Australia for the first time at Design Show Australia 2026 through a family-led project preserving and sharing his legacy. 80 words: Jean-Claude Duboys will be presented in Australia for the first time at Design Show Australia 2026 at ICC Sydney from 11–13 June. Led by the Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association and family members, the presentation introduces Australian audiences to a French designer known for elegant, practical furniture and lighting that continues to resonate with contemporary design conversations around sustainability, adaptability and craftsmanship.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

WHY DUBOYS FEELS CONTEMPORARY
Sustainability, adaptability, compact living, craftsmanship and longevity.

MEDIA KIT
The Art of French Designer Jean-Claude Duboys
Presented in Australia for the First Time at Sydney Design Show Through an Extraordinary Family Adventure
Association les amis de
Jean claude duboys
Designer français
1938 - 1999
Saint-Martin-de-Ré · RNA W173010898
Programme A Lounge Chair (1978) - hero image for the Australian premiere.
KEY FACTS
Event
Sydney Design Show 2026
Dates
11-13 June 2026
Venue
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)
Stand
#2206
Exhibitor
Jean-Claude Duboys
Contact
Patrick Duboys [email protected] +33 6 08 02 54 50

Contents
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier
1. Executive Summary
2. Why Jean-Claude Duboys Matters Today
3. Press Release
4. Story Angles for Journalists
5. Why Australia?
6. An Extraordinary Family Adventure
7. Jean-Claude Duboys: Biography
8. Recognition by Major Collectors
9. Current Galleries Presenting His Work
10. Institutional Collections
11. Timeline
12. Design Philosophy
13. Featured Works and Visual Assets
14. Exhibition Information
15. About the Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association
16. Press Resources and Media Contact

This media kit is designed for journalists, editors, curators, design writers, architecture and interiors media, gallery professionals and Sydney Design Show partners. It brings together the press release, institutional and collector context, the family story, practical exhibition details, and image captions for media use.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Jean-Claude Duboys (1938-1999) was a French designer, educator and creator of innovative furniture and lighting distinguished by elegance, lightness, foldability and functional intelligence.
His work was exhibited at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, and is represented in French public collections including the Centre national des arts plastiques (CNAP) and FRAC collections.
His creations continue to be presented by leading design galleries and specialised platforms, and have been collected by major figures including Pierre Bergé, co-founder of Yves Saint Laurent.
In June 2026, his work will be presented in Australia for the first time at Sydney Design Show through a multi-generational family initiative dedicated to preserving and sharing his legacy.

Why Jean-Claude Duboys Matters Today
Long before sustainability became a central design concern, Jean-Claude Duboys was creating furniture that was lightweight, foldable, multifunctional, material-efficient, durable and human-centred.
His work anticipated many concerns that shape contemporary design discussions today: adaptability, responsible use of materials, compact living, craftsmanship, longevity, and the relationship between structure and comfort.
The Australian premiere at Sydney Design Show 2026 therefore introduces not only an important French designer to a new audience, but also a body of work whose ideas remain highly relevant to contemporary design.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 June 2026
The Art of French Designer Jean-Claude Duboys Presented in Australia for the First Time at Sydney Design Show Through an Extraordinary Family Adventure

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - The Art of French designer Jean-Claude Duboys is being presented in Australia for the very first time at Sydney Design Show 2026, held at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). This Australian premiere marks the culmination of an extraordinary family adventure dedicated to preserving, reviving and sharing the legacy of an exceptional creator.
Jean-Claude Duboys possessed a distinctive design language. His furniture reflects the originality of his personality and creative vision. His works are immediately recognisable through their elegant proportions, structural clarity and unique combination of lightness, functionality and refinement.
More than an exhibition, this presentation represents the culmination of a remarkable family project. Following the passing of Jean-Claude Duboys, his family undertook an extensive effort to preserve his archives, drawings, creations and documents. Over time, this initiative evolved into a genuine family adventure, bringing together several generations around a shared mission: ensuring that his work continues to inspire future audiences.
Jean-Claude Duboys was not a designer like any other. Creative, visionary and committed to the pursuit of simplicity, beauty and functionality, he devoted his life to designing furniture that was comfortable, lightweight, foldable, multifunctional and crafted from noble materials.
Originally from Limoges, France, he left behind a family tradition of engineering to attend the prestigious National School of Decorative Arts in Paris, where he graduated at the top of his class. Among the distinguished alumni of the school are Charles Garnier, Henri Matisse and Auguste Rodin.
Throughout his career, Duboys developed a unique design language based on intelligent functionality, elegant forms and simple solutions. His work was exhibited in prestigious institutions including the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou. Alongside his professional practice, he taught at the National School of Decorative Arts, influencing generations of designers through both his creations and his teaching.
His work is also held or recorded in public collections and continues to appear through specialised galleries and design platforms, reinforcing the lasting importance of his contribution to twentieth-century French design.
After his passing, his family made the decision to preserve and share his work. Catherine led the initiative with remarkable determination. Together with Chantal, Christian and many other family members, she preserved plans, sketches, drawings and original pieces, photographed the works, digitised the archives and ensured that this creative heritage would not be lost.

Gradually, what began as a preservation project became a true family adventure.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier
Many members of the family joined the initiative, each contributing their own expertise and energy. Three of Jean-Claude Duboys' great-nephews became designers themselves, while a fourth chose a different path.
Born in Sydney and now living in Melbourne, he initially followed the family's engineering tradition before making a remarkable career change. In the spirit of Jean-Claude's own life choice, he left engineering to pursue woodworking and furniture making, bringing the family's connection to design full circle.
To further this mission, Nathalie, France, Christian and Catherine founded the Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association, dedicated to preserving his legacy and supporting the rediscovery of his work.
The Australian presentation was initiated by Patrick Duboys, Jean-Claude Duboys' nephew and godson, who has long been driven by the ambition to introduce his uncle's work to a wider audience, particularly in Australia. He is joined in this endeavour by his brother Antoine, who lives in Melbourne.
Today, this family adventure reaches a historic milestone with the presentation of Jean-Claude Duboys' creations at Sydney Design Show.

A First for Australia
"This exhibition represents two achievements that are deeply meaningful to us," said Patrick Duboys. "It is the first time Jean-Claude Duboys' work has been presented in Australia, and it is also the culmination of a family adventure that has brought together several generations around a shared commitment to preserve and pass on his creative legacy."
Visitors to Sydney Design Show will discover a selection of iconic works that reflect Jean-Claude Duboys' vision of furniture design: innovative, elegant, lightweight and functional. Among the pieces on display is his celebrated Programme A Lounge Chair (1978), which has become one of the most recognisable expressions of his creative approach.
They will also discover the remarkable human story behind the exhibition: a family determined to preserve the legacy of an exceptional creator and share it with new generations around the world.
For the Duboys family, participating in Sydney Design Show is far more than an exhibition. It represents the culmination of years of dedication, the fulfilment of a promise and a new chapter in an extraordinary family adventure that now connects France and Australia.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Sydney Design Show 2026
11-13 June 2026
Venue
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)
Stand
#2206
Instagram
@jeanclaudeduboys
Sydney Design Show exhibitor listing showing Jean-Claude Duboys, Stand #2206.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

STORY ANGLES FOR JOURNALISTS
Australian premiere: The first presentation of Jean-Claude Duboys' work in Australia, taking place at Sydney Design Show 2026.
A promise made in Sydney: Patrick Duboys was living in Sydney when Jean-Claude Duboys passed away in 1999 and could not attend the funeral. The Australian presentation fulfils the promise he made then to contribute to his uncle's recognition.
A family adventure: What began as an archive preservation project became a multi-generational family undertaking that now connects France and Australia.
Design with contemporary relevance: Duboys' focus on lightweight, foldable, multifunctional and material-conscious furniture resonates strongly with contemporary design conversations.
Generational transmission: Several family members entered design or craft-based careers, including Patrick's son, born in Sydney and now based in Melbourne, who left engineering to pursue woodworking and furniture making.
Suggested Pull Quotes
"This exhibition fulfils a promise made in Sydney more than twenty-five years ago." - Patrick Duboys
"Jean-Claude Duboys did not seek originality. He achieved it through clarity, intelligence and simplicity."

Suggested Short Description
The work of French designer Jean-Claude Duboys is presented in Australia for the first time at Sydney Design Show 2026, Stand #2206, through a family-led project dedicated to preserving and sharing his legacy.
Suggested Long Description
A remarkable family adventure brings the work of French designer Jean-Claude Duboys to Australia for the first time at Sydney Design Show 2026. Initiated by Patrick Duboys, the designer's nephew and godson, the presentation fulfils a promise made in Sydney more than twenty-five years ago and introduces Australian audiences to a body of work defined by simplicity, function, elegance and innovation.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

WHY AUSTRALIA?
The Australian presentation of Jean-Claude Duboys' work is not the result of chance. It is the fulfilment of a personal promise made more than twenty-five years ago.
When Jean-Claude Duboys passed away in 1999, his nephew and godson, Patrick Duboys, was living in Sydney. Unable to return to France to attend his uncle's funeral, he experienced a profound sense of loss.
At that moment, he made himself a promise: one day, when he was older and in a position to do so, he would contribute to ensuring that Jean-Claude Duboys' work received the recognition it deserved.
For more than two decades, that promise remained with him.
Today, twenty-five years later, Patrick Duboys is fulfilling that commitment in the very city where it was made.
The presentation of Jean-Claude Duboys' creations at Sydney Design Show 2026 is not only the first exhibition of the designer's work in Australia; it is also the culmination of a deeply personal journey and a tribute from a nephew to the uncle who inspired him.
Australia also occupies a special place in the continuing family story. Patrick's son was born in Sydney and now lives in Melbourne. He initially followed the family's engineering tradition before choosing woodworking and furniture making. In the spirit of Jean-Claude's own life choice, he left engineering to pursue a craft-based creative path.
This Australian premiere therefore represents far more than an exhibition. It is the fulfilment of a promise, the continuation of a family legacy and a powerful reminder of the enduring connections between family, memory and design.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

AN EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY ADVENTURE
The preservation of Jean-Claude Duboys' work began as an act of family responsibility. It soon became a collective project and, eventually, a true family adventure.
Catherine played a central role in championing the preservation of Jean-Claude's work. With Chantal, Christian and other family members, she helped safeguard plans, sketches, drawings, photographs, archives and original creations.
The family photographed works, digitised archives and gathered documentation to ensure that this heritage would remain visible, accessible and alive.
This process did more than preserve the past. It shaped the future of the family. Three of Jean-Claude Duboys' great-nephews became designers. Another, Patrick's son, was born in Sydney and now lives in Melbourne. He first followed the family tradition of engineering, then made a life choice in the spirit of Jean-Claude's own path: he left engineering to pursue woodworking and furniture making.
This continuity gives the Australian premiere a particular emotional depth. It is both a design event and the story of a family that has carried a creative legacy across generations and continents.

FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS
Catherine, Chantal and Christian
Preservation of archives, plans, sketches, photographs and original creations
Nathalie, France, Christian and Catherine
Founding of the Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association
Patrick Duboys
Nephew and godson; initiator of the Australian presentation
Antoine Duboys
Patrick's brother, based in Melbourne
Next generation
Designers, woodworker and furniture maker within the extended family
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

JEAN-CLAUDE DUBOYS: BIOGRAPHY
Jean-Claude Duboys (1938-1999) was a French designer and educator whose work combined simplicity, elegance and functionality.
Originally from Limoges, he moved away from a family tradition of engineering to study at the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris, where he graduated at the top of his class. The institution counts among its distinguished alumni Charles Garnier, Henri Matisse and Auguste Rodin.
Throughout his career, Duboys created furniture that was comfortable, multifunctional, lightweight, foldable and crafted from noble materials. His work was guided by a constant pursuit of simplicity, beauty and usefulness.
His creations were exhibited at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou. He also taught at the National School of Decorative Arts, where he influenced several generations of designers.
Within the French Design Scene
Jean-Claude Duboys was active during one of the most creative periods in French design history. His career developed alongside leading figures such as Roger Tallon, Pierre Paulin, Olivier Mourgue and later Philippe Starck, while his work on major architectural and industrial projects placed him within the broader network of French designers, architects and manufacturers who shaped post-war French design.
Jean-Claude Duboys did not seek to be different; he simply was. His designs remain contemporary because they combine clarity of purpose with refined construction and a deeply human understanding of use.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

RECOGNITION BY MAJOR COLLECTORS
Jean-Claude Duboys' work attracted the attention of influential collectors of twentieth-century design.
Among them was Pierre Bergé, co-founder of Yves Saint Laurent and one of France's most important cultural patrons.
A maplewood lounge chair from Duboys' Attitude collection formed part of Bergé's personal collection and later appeared in public auction.
This provenance places Duboys within the collecting history of significant French post-war design and strengthens the wider recognition of his legacy.
Reference : Pierre Bergé Collection - Jean-Claude Duboys, Chauffeuse Attitude (maplewood lounge chair) : https://www.pba-auctions.com/lot/81438/7531015-jean-claude-duboys-1938-1999-chauffeuse-erable-massif-vernis
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

CURRENT GALLERIES PRESENTING HIS WORK
More than two decades after his death, Jean-Claude Duboys' work continues to be represented and traded through leading galleries and specialised design platforms, reflecting sustained interest from collectors, institutions and design historians.
Artshop Galerie - https://www.artshop-galerie.fr/categorie-produit/jean-claude-duboys-1938-1999/
Demisch Danant - https://www.demischdanant.com/works/jean-claude-duboys
Galerie Doda - https://www.galerie-doda.fr/archives-mobilier/3232-fauteuil-attitude-jean-claude-duboys.html
Galerie Anne-Sophie Duval - https://www.galerieannesophieduval.com
1stDibs - Jean-Claude Duboys - https://www.1stdibs.com/fr/creators/jean-claude-duboys/furniture/
Mass Modern Design - Jean Claude Duboys radical design lounge chair France 1964 - https://massmoderndesign.com/gallery-detail/jean-claude-duboys-radical-design-lounge-chair-france-1964/
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier
INSTITUTIONAL COLLECTIONS
Jean-Claude Duboys' work forms part of several public and institutional collections in France, confirming its significance within the history of French design.
Centre national des arts plastiques (CNAP) - Holds the Rocking-chair "Attitude", acquired for the French National Collection.
Navigart / FRAC Collections - Records several Jean-Claude Duboys works in French public contemporary art collections.
FRAC-Artothèque Nouvelle-Aquitaine - Holds multiple Jean-Claude Duboys pieces.
Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris - Associated with Programme A Chair and archival references to Duboys' work.
References: https://www.cnap.fr/collection-en-ligne | https://www.navigart.fr/lescollectionsdesfrac/artworks | https://www.frac-artotheque-nouvelleaquitaine.fr | https://madparis.fr
The presence of Duboys' work in these collections demonstrates enduring institutional recognition and ensures its preservation for future generations.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

TIMELINE
The timeline below situates Jean-Claude Duboys' career, legacy, family preservation project and Australian premiere in a concise chronological sequence.
Expanded Timeline
1938 - Born in Limoges, France.
Paris years - Studies at the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris and graduates at the top of his class.
Career - Develops furniture and lighting collections combining comfort, lightness, foldability, multifunctionality and noble materials.
Career - Exhibits at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou.
Career - Teaches at the National School of Decorative Arts and influences generations of designers.
1978 - Programme A Lounge Chair, one of the most recognisable expressions of his approach to furniture design.
1999 - Jean-Claude Duboys passes away; Patrick Duboys, then living in Sydney, makes a promise to contribute to his uncle's recognition.
2000-2025 - Family members preserve archives, works, drawings and documentation, transforming a preservation effort into a multi-generational family project.
2026 - Australian premiere at Sydney Design Show, ICC Sydney, Stand #2206.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

TIMELINE AND DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Date / Period
Milestone
1938
Birth of Jean-Claude Duboys.
Paris years
Studies at the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris; graduates at the top of his class.
Career
Creates furniture combining comfort, lightness, foldability, multifunctionality and noble materials.
Teaching
Teaches at the National School of Decorative Arts and influences generations of designers.
Exhibitions
Work exhibited at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou.
1999
Jean-Claude Duboys passe away. Patrick, living in Sydney, makes a promise to contribute to his uncle's recognition.
After 1999
Family members preserve archives, works, drawings and documentation.
2026
Australian premiere at Sydney Design Show, ICC Sydney, Stand #2206.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Jean-Claude Duboys' approach to design was rooted in freedom and rigor. His work is marked by a constant balance between imagination, technical intelligence and respect for materials.
He designed furniture that responded to real human use. Comfort was never separated from structure. Function was never separated from beauty. Simplicity was never the absence of ambition; it was the result of precision.

CORE DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Comfort
Furniture conceived for the body, daily life and long-term use.
Lightness
Structures that avoid unnecessary weight while preserving strength and clarity.
Foldability
Designs that can move, adapt and be stored with intelligence.
Multifunctionality
Objects that answer several needs without becoming complicated.
Noble materials
A respect for material quality and construction.
Simplicity
Reduction to essential form and use.
Beauty
A refined aesthetic that emerges from structure and function.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

FEATURED WORKS AND VISUAL ASSETS
The following images are available for press use upon request. Captions can be used as provided, subject to final image credit confirmation.
Programme A Lounge Chair (1978). A major work illustrating Jean-Claude Duboys' focus on lightness, structure and functional elegance.
Programme A Lounge Chair (1978)
The Programme A Lounge Chair is one of the most recognisable expressions of Jean-Claude Duboys' approach to furniture design. Its wooden slat structure, folding logic and visual lightness communicate the designer's interest in function, rhythm, craft and simplicity.
The chair demonstrates several themes central to his work: comfort, structural clarity, efficient use of material and the transformation of everyday furniture into a refined design object.
Detail of the Programme A Lounge Chair, showing the rhythm of the wooden slats and the precision of its construction.
Technical drawing of the Programme A Lounge Chair, showing the precision behind the object's simplicity.
Additional Featured Work
Architectural floor lamp. A large-scale lighting object reflecting Duboys' interest in structure, movement, material and spatial presence.
The lighting work presented in the media assets reflects the same architectural intelligence found in Jean-Claude Duboys' furniture: an interest in balance, reach, structure and simplicity.
Together with the furniture pieces, it helps communicate the breadth of his creative vision and his ability to approach design as both an artistic and technical discipline.
Original sketches and design research, showing Jean-Claude Duboys' exploratory process.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

EXHIBITION INFORMATION
VISITOR INFORMATION
Event
Sydney Design Show 2026
Dates
11-13 June 2026
Venue
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)
Stand
#2206
Exhibitor name
Jean-Claude Duboys
Categories
Furniture & Furnishings; Lighting
Visitors to Sydney Design Show will discover a selection of works that reflect Jean-Claude Duboys' vision of furniture design: innovative, elegant, lightweight, functional and human-centred.
The presentation is designed to introduce Australian audiences to a body of work that remains little known in the region but whose principles resonate strongly with current design concerns: material efficiency, adaptability, craftsmanship and timeless simplicity.
The exhibition also tells the human story behind the objects: a family determined to keep alive the work of an exceptional creator and to share it with new audiences.
Sydney Design Show exhibitor listing showing Jean-Claude Duboys at Stand #2206.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF JEAN-CLAUDE DUBOYS ASSOCIATION
Logo of the Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association.
The Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association was founded to preserve, promote and share the legacy of Jean-Claude Duboys (1938-1999).
Its mission is to keep his work alive, support the rediscovery of his designs and make his creative heritage accessible to a wider audience.
The association brings together family members and supporters who are committed to safeguarding archives, documenting works, encouraging research and presenting Jean-Claude Duboys' creations to new publics.
The Australian premiere at Sydney Design Show 2026 represents a major milestone in this mission.
Association Identity
Name
Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association
French identity
Association les amis de Jean-Claude Duboys
Designer
Jean-Claude Duboys, French designer, 1938-1999
Purpose
Preservation, promotion and rediscovery of Jean-Claude Duboys' work
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

PHOTOS AND PRESS RESOURCES
High-resolution photographs, archive materials, biographies and additional press information are available upon request.
Available materials include the Programme A Lounge Chair (1978), lighting works, detail photographs, technical drawings, archive sketches, association information, and exhibition visuals.
Suggested Captions
Programme A Lounge Chair (1978) by Jean-Claude Duboys. Presented in Australia for the first time at Sydney Design Show 2026.
Detail of the Programme A Lounge Chair, showing the wooden slat structure and refined construction of Jean-Claude Duboys' design.
Original technical drawing of the Programme A Lounge Chair, part of the Jean-Claude Duboys archive.
Original sketches and design research by Jean-Claude Duboys.
Architectural floor lamp by Jean-Claude Duboys, reflecting his interest in structure, lightness and functional elegance.
Interview Availability
Patrick Duboys is available for interviews about the Australian premiere, the family story, the promise made in Sydney, and the work of Jean-Claude Duboys. Interviews may be arranged in English or French, subject to availability.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

MEDIA CONTACT
Name
Patrick Duboys
Organisation
Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association
Email
[email protected]
Phone
+33 6 08 02 54 50
Instagram
@jeanclaudeduboys
Media interviews, additional images, biographies and exhibition information are available upon request.
Press Resource Summary
This page consolidates the media resources available on request and preserves the structure of the original media kit while improving practical readability for journalists, editors, curators and design writers.
High-resolution object photography
Detail views and construction images
Technical drawings and archival sketches
Association identity and exhibition visuals
English and French interview availability
Background biography and expanded chronology
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

EXPANDED PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY AND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION HISTORY
Jean-Claude Duboys (1938-1999) - Professional English Biography
Jean-Claude Duboys was a French interior architect, designer and educator whose work combined elegance, functionality and innovation.
Graduating first in his class from the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) in Paris in 1962, he began his career working on major interior architecture projects including Maison de la Radio in Paris, design studies for the Israeli ocean liner Shalom, and national architectural competitions.
From 1965 onward, he alternated between independent design practice and leadership positions within industrial companies. As head of the design office of Minvielle & Cabanne, he developed furniture collections for residential and public environments designed for serial production.
In 1972, he designed a ceramic dining service produced by Franco Pozzi in Milan. The collection was selected by Gute Industrie Form at the Hanover Fair and exhibited at the International Ceramics Exhibition in Vicenza.
From 1980 onward, in collaboration with a master cabinetmaker, he developed the Attitude Programme, a collection of folding furniture made from solid wood. Distributed throughout France and exported to Europe, Japan and the United States, the collection received the VIA label and entered the French National Contemporary Art Collection.
In 1985, Jean-Claude Duboys was appointed Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS AND TEACHING
Alongside his furniture and product design work, he developed interior architecture and spatial design projects, including the Surgery Congress in Limoges and colour design programmes for industrial workplaces such as the VALEO factory.
From 1970 to 1999, he taught Interior Architecture and Design at the École Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in Limoges, where he helped train several generations of designers.
International exhibitions included
Scandinavian Furniture Fair, Copenhagen (1981)
International Furniture Fair, Cologne (1982)
International Furniture Fair, Milan (1982)
Salon SAD - Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Paris (1983)
Exhibition of the French Regions, Tokyo (1984)
La Maison Française, Chicago (1985)
La Maison Française, Los Angeles (1986)
Design for Europe, Kortrijk, Belgium (1994)
His work was also exhibited at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou.
Jean-Claude Duboys is remembered for his intelligent approach to design, combining lightness, comfort, foldability, structural clarity and timeless elegance.
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier

EDITORIAL ENHANCEMENTS FOR MUSEUM AND GALLERY AUDIENCES
Jean-Claude Duboys at a Glance
French designer (1938-1999)
Graduated first in class from ENSAD Paris (1962)
Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters
Exhibited in Paris, Copenhagen, Cologne, Milan, Tokyo, Chicago, Los Angeles and Kortrijk
Works held in CNAP and FRAC collections
Collected by Pierre Bergé
First Australian presentation at Sydney Design Show 2026
Why Jean-Claude Duboys Is as Modern as Ever
Jean-Claude Duboys anticipated many themes that define contemporary design: sustainability, multifunctionality, efficient use of materials, foldability, adaptability and longevity. His work demonstrates how elegant design can emerge from intelligent construction and thoughtful use rather than excess. As interest grows in post-war French design, collectors, galleries and institutions are rediscovering the originality and relevance of his contribution.
Institutional Recognition
The significance of Jean-Claude Duboys’ work is confirmed by institutional recognition in France. His creations are represented in public collections including the Centre national des arts plastiques (CNAP) and FRAC collections. His work has also been associated with the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. The VIA distinction, public acquisitions and continuing scholarly interest confirm his place within the history of twentieth-century French design.
Selected Career Highlights
1962 - Graduates first in class from ENSAD Paris
Maison de la Radio - Participates in major interior architecture projects
Minvielle & Cabanne - Leads furniture development programmes
1972 - Franco Pozzi collection selected by Gute Industrie Form
1980s - Development of the Attitude Programme
1985 - Appointed Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters
1981-1994 - International exhibitions across Europe, Japan and the United States
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier
Work acquired into French public collections
Expanded Chronology
1938 - Born in Limoges
1962 - Graduates from ENSAD Paris
1960s - Independent designer and industrial design roles
1972 - Franco Pozzi ceramic collection exhibited internationally
1980 - Development of Attitude folding furniture programme
1981 - Copenhagen
1982 - Cologne
1982 - Milan
1984 - Tokyo
1985 - Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters
1985 - Chicago
1986 - Los Angeles
1994 - Kortrijk
1999 - Passes away
2000-2025 - Family preservation project
2026 - Australian premiere at Sydney Design Show
Integrated New References
Within the French Design Scene
Jean-Claude Duboys was active during one of the most creative periods in French design history. His career developed alongside leading figures such as Roger Tallon, Pierre Paulin, Olivier Mourgue and later Philippe Starck, while his work on major architectural and industrial projects placed him within the broader network of French designers, architects and manufacturers who shaped post-war French design.
Mass Modern Design Reference
Mass Modern Design - Jean Claude Duboys radical design lounge chair France 1964
https://massmoderndesign.com/gallery-detail/jean-claude-duboys-radical-design-lounge-chair-france-1964/
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier
This new reference is also integrated in the section Current Galleries Presenting His Work, alongside Artshop Galerie, Demisch Danant, Galerie Doda, Galerie Anne-Sophie Duval and 1stDibs.
Final Contact
Patrick Duboys | Friends of Jean-Claude Duboys Association
[email protected] | +33 6 08 02 54 50 | Instagram: @jeanclaudeduboys

MUSEUM & CURATORIAL EDITION – EXPANDED SECTIONS
Jean‑Claude Duboys at a Glance
• French designer (1938–1999) • Graduated first in class from ENSAD Paris • Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters • Exhibited in Paris, Copenhagen, Cologne, Milan, Tokyo, Chicago, Los Angeles and Kortrijk • Works represented in CNAP and FRAC collections • Collected by Pierre Bergé • Presented in Australia for the first time in 2026 • Known for lightness, foldability, multifunctionality and elegant engineering
Why Jean‑Claude Duboys Matters in Design History
Jean‑Claude Duboys belongs to the generation of post‑war French designers who redefined furniture, interiors and industrial production. While contemporaries such as Roger Tallon, Pierre Paulin, Olivier Mourgue, Andrée Putman and Philippe Starck each developed distinctive approaches, Duboys pursued a path centred on structural intelligence, adaptability, comfort and refined simplicity. His work anticipated contemporary concerns regarding sustainability, compact living, multifunctionality and responsible use of materials.
Institutional Recognition
CNAP – National collection. FRAC – Multiple works represented in public collections. Musée des Arts Décoratifs – Exhibitions and archival references. Pierre Bergé Collection – Private collection and auction provenance. VIA – Design distinction associated with the Attitude programme. Together these references establish Duboys as a documented figure within the history of twentieth-century French design.
Collectors, Galleries and Market Recognition
More than two decades after his death, Duboys’ work continues to be presented by specialist galleries and design platforms. Continued visibility through galleries, collectors and institutions demonstrates sustained interest in his contribution to French design history.
Curatorial Themes
Potential exhibition themes include: • Sustainability Before Sustainability
Jean‑Claude Duboys | Media & Curatorial Dossier
• Folding Furniture and Modern Living • French Design After 1945 • Design and Mobility • Intelligence in Construction • Family, Memory and Design Legacy
Museum Acquisition Rationale
Duboys’ work offers museums a rare combination of historical significance, technical innovation, educational value and contemporary relevance. His furniture demonstrates how elegant design can emerge from structural clarity, efficient use of materials and human‑centred thinking.
Press-Ready Biographies
50 words:Jean‑Claude Duboys (1938–1999) was a French designer and educator known for elegant, lightweight and multifunctional furniture. A graduate of ENSAD Paris, he exhibited internationally, received the Order of Arts and Letters and is represented in French public collections.100 words:Jean‑Claude Duboys was a French designer, interior architect and educator whose work combined simplicity, comfort and structural intelligence. Graduating first in class from ENSAD Paris, he developed furniture and lighting that anticipated many contemporary concerns regarding sustainability, adaptability and efficient material use. His work entered public collections, received professional recognition and continues to attract interest from galleries, collectors and institutions.250- and 500-word biographies can be derived from the expanded professional biography already included in the media kit.
Sources and Documentation
Primary sources referenced throughout the dossier include ENSAD records, CNAP collections, FRAC collections, Musée des Arts Décoratifs references, VIA documentation, gallery archives, Pierre Bergé collection records, exhibition catalogues and family archives preserved by the Friends of Jean‑Claude Duboys Association.

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