Roger Tallon Module 400 chair, stool, side table

The Roger Tallon Module 400 collection, which includes chairs, stools, and a side table, was first introduced in 1965 and quickly became a hallmark of innovative design. Featured prominently in the iconic French film La Piscine (1969), these pieces stand as testaments to Tallon’s mastery of blending artistry with functionality. With their bold, geometric forms and use of materials like chrome-plated steel and black foam, the Module 400 collection exemplifies his ability to transform everyday furniture into sculptural statements.

Product image c/o jousse-entreprise.com

Tallon’s career began with a background in engineering, followed by influential roles at major companies such as Caterpillar France and DuPont. However, it was his move to Technès in 1953 that marked the beginning of his creative revolution. As the agency’s technical and artistic director, Tallon had a significant impact on shaping the future of industrial design. By 1959, he had become the agency’s sole director, leading the way in industrial aesthetics.

His influence extended beyond the confines of design practice to education, where in 1957 he played a key role in establishing France’s first design course at the École des Arts Appliqués in Paris. In addition, Tallon’s work with General Electric, which included designing household appliances and establishing the company’s first Design Department, further solidified his reputation as a design pioneer.

In 1966, Tallon designed the revolutionary Téléavia P111 portable television, which broke conventional design norms and became a commercial success. His collaborations also spanned into the transportation sector, with notable contributions to the design of the TGV trains, the Paris Métro, and the Montmartre funicular.

The Module 400 collection, with its clean lines, chrome-plated steel frame, and bold black foam seating, showcases Tallon’s ability to create furniture that transcends time. Its appearance in La Piscine elevates the collection from mere furniture to an integral part of the film’s modernist aesthetic. These pieces continue to inspire design enthusiasts, representing Tallon’s philosophy that furniture should be as much about artistic expression as it is about function.

Tallon’s legacy endures across a wide range of industries, from industrial robots and ski boots to watches and train design. His work continues to inspire, proving that great design has the power to influence not only the objects we interact with, but also the way we experience the world around us.