Pierre Vallon was born in Touraine (Loire Valley - France) on November 18, 1922.

He was the second of three children. Although he grew up in an intellectual environment (his father was a school principal), he did not follow in his father’s footsteps professionally. His father and grandfather did paint in their spare time, which influenced Vallon to create drawings from a very young age. His precocious art talents were recognized, but his enrollment in the École des Beaux-Arts was prevented by the onset of World War II.

Instead, he became a member of the French Resistance, igniting his youthful fire to recovering a liberty that he would never cease to defend and cherish through personal and political commitments. During the war, he met often in the nearby forest with members of the French Resistance and American soldiers, where they shared food and camaraderie. Vallon had a special place in his heart for his American friends and appreciation for liberation from Nazi tyranny.
Click here to know about Vallon’s American soldier friend.

After the war, he apprenticed to an art furniture manufacturer, working up to being a full-time employee. There, he had a hand in making numerous pieces of cabinetwork and marquetry, which confirmed his flair for artistic work and decoration.

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At 25, he became a freelance shop fitter and decorator, which allowed him to combine a professional career with his creative passion for art.
He spent his rare leisure moments painting, which was not merely a way of relaxing, but also something in which he took great delight.

Pierre Vallon painting outdoors, as he always took great delight in doing so. Here, the Hotel-Restaurant " Château d'Artigny" in Montbazon in the Loire Valley region.

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Contact : pivallon@yahoo.fr