Roger Tallon, 4 Brass Ashtrays, 1970s

Roger Tallon (1929–2011) is a major figure in French and international industrial design. Trained as an engineer, he quickly turned to design and became one of the key players in the aesthetic and functional modernization of everyday objects, transportation, and public spaces in France.
In the 1950s, he joined the Technès agency, where he developed a comprehensive approach to design, integrating ergonomics, aesthetics, and technical innovation. His most iconic achievements include the design of TGV trains, the signage for the Paris Métro (Météor line), and everyday objects.
The Orb ashtray embodies Tallon's philosophy: combining functionality, innovation, and elegance, while playing with materials and geometric shapes. It is now sought after by collectors and vintage design enthusiasts. His legacy lives on through his creations, still present in our daily lives, and his influence on subsequent generations of designers.