A mentor to Le Corbusier, Ozenfant was an artist and critic who ran art schools in Paris and London in the 1920s and ’30s. Highly regarded, he knew everyone; Leonora Carrington was a student, Henry Moore worked for him, Paolozzi admired him. Despite his connections, energy and talent, his star dimmed and he passed into obscurity. This short, beautifully written book is a superb resuscitation of a fascinating individual whose influence was – and is – far-reaching. Johnny speaks to its author, Charles Darwent — art critic and reviewer. 

Photo: Ozenfant (left) and Le Corbusier launching their new magazine, L'Esprit nouveau, in 1920, from a fake hot air balloon. 

Interviewed by Johnny de Falbe 

Edited by Magnus Rena