Video: Jean Welz

A talk by Peter Wyeth

Recorded 23rd May 2023 at Grimshaw

Born in Vienna, Jean Welz (1900-75) moved to Paris in 1925 and worked with Adolf Loos on the Tzara House, before designing a small number of houses, and a gravestone for Karl Marx’s daughter. He left for South Africa in 1936 and became a noted artist there, with his earlier architectural career fading into obscurity. This talk will present a unique vision of the avant-garde Paris in the interwar years, and explore the dialogue between the work of Welz and two giants of early Modern Movement architecture - Le Corbusier and Loos. Peter Wyeth will argue that 'Jean Welz is perhaps the greatest unknown architect of the 20th century, designer of 'The most avant-garde house in Paris' (Tim Benton), who brought Vienna to Paris, and set Adolf Loos against Le Corbusier.'

Peter Wyeth is a filmmaker whose work includes 12 Views of Kensal House. He is the author of The Lost Architecture of Jean Welz. We would like to thank Grimshaw, who have kindly allowed us to use their auditorium for this event.

QnA session that followed Peter Wyeth’s talk