Joseph Savina Biography
Joseph Savina, born in 1901 in Douarnenez, was a French cabinetmaker and sculptor of academic fame. Collaborator of Le Corbusier and restorer of Breton furniture, Savina ran a Celtic art workshop in Tréguier until March 1970, which he later entrusted to Michel Le Calvez. He was soon nicknamed "the wooden embroiderer" because of his skill in working with wood. In contact with the activists of Seiz Breur, he found new inspiration and wanted to renew Breton art and artisan furniture. He stated that "the plastic work is the basis of the architectural work", underlining the importance of art as a fundamental element for architecture. Furthermore, Savina was a great supporter of Breton folk art. He came into contact with people such as Alexis Carrel, of whom he was an avid reader, and Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator. In their absence, he was responsible for the maintenance of their manor on the island of Illiec off Penvénan. In particular, he created a prototype incubator for premature babies for Alexis Carrel. Today, the multifaceted institute in the city of Tréguier, which hosts a technical sector dedicated to the Plastic Arts (first and last Design Sciences and Techniques, Applied Arts: STD2A), bears the name of Joseph Savina. His first meeting with Le Corbusier in 1935 gave rise to a surprising friendship based on mutual respect and admiration. Both were strong personalities, driven by the same passion for art, and they exchanged frequent correspondence. Le Corbusier admired Savina's "sense of plasticity", and he created many sculptures based on the Swiss architect's drawings.
