While studying advertising at the École Nationale des Arts Appliqués à l’Industrie, he met Robert Picault and Roger Capron. First a graphic designer and poster artist, he was hired by Christofle, for whom he created designs for silverware and ceramic pieces.

Drawn to the world of ceramics, Jean Derval learned his future craft in Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye. From mastering stoneware to glazing, Derval excelled both technically and aesthetically. In 1947, “les trois coqs” (Derval, Capron, Picault) reunited in Vallauris at the Callis workshop, which they had founded. Derval then left stoneware behind for earthenware and faience. In 1949, he took part in the Madoura workshop led by Pablo Picasso, before founding the Atelier du Portail in 1951.

Jean Derval’s approach was both refined and bold. His expressive and original works are animated by a unity found equally in the rigor of his drawing and the ease of his technique. He was behind numerous architectural projects such as the Hôtel Byblos in Saint-Tropez and the Sophia-Antipolis technology park. He also contributed to the revival of religious art. His long and multifaceted career is imbued with subtlety and virtuosity.

His friend Claude Beynie said of him:
 “Jean Derval’s creative breath extends into the emotional realm, and this natural state illuminates and enlightens every act of his experience.” ¹

¹ In Jean Derval, céramiste et sculpteur by Patric Favardin and Jean-Jacques Wattel, Norma Editions, Paris, 2011, p. 7.