THE DESIGN OF FIRE IN 20TH CENTURY FRANCE

Abstract

Although new forms of heating were installed in French households during the 20th century, thetraditional chimneys that they were replacing remained the inspiration for the design of the newheating devices. This article examines how the memory of the flame from the fireplace remained
central in the design process for new forms of heating. In order to reassure consumers and overcome resistance, companies designed stoves and heaters whose shapes were reminiscentof the fireplace and made it possible to perpetuate ancient practices linked to the culture of fire.