Jean Derval (1925-2010)

Jean Derval, born near Bourges in the Berry region, began his artistic journey studying graphic design in Paris under Max Ponty, famed for creating the Gitanes cigarette packet. Transitioning to ceramics, he learned from masters like Pierre Pigaglio and Jean Maubrou in Saint-Amand en Puisaye. Moving to Vallauris in 1946, he joined Madoura, where he collaborated with Picasso and later established his studio, Le Portail. Influenced by Greek mythology and sacred art, Derval's evolving oeuvre blends human and animal forms with abstraction and cubism. He ventured into architectural ceramics in the 1960s, contributing to landmarks like Antibes' Sacré-Cœur church and collaborating with artists like Capron and Picault. Derval's prolific career earned him numerous awards, including the Gold Medal at the 1958 Brussels International Exhibition.