Pair of "S38A" Benches in Solid Elm by Pierre Chapo, France 1970s

French designer and woodworker Pierre Chapo was an iconic cabinetmaker, who created timeless furniture that fused modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Pierre Chapo always pa...

Pierre Chapo was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's balanced lines, Corbusier's research on proportions and the Bauhaus. The three principles that motivated him were material, form, an...

Dining room chair “S34” has the playful and majestic characteristics typical of Pierre Chapo's emblematic creations. Asymmetrical, yet perfectly balanced, this model belongs with the...

Dining room chair “S34” has the playful and majestic characteristics typical of Pierre Chapo's emblematic creations. Asymmetrical, yet perfectly balanced, this model belongs with the designer’s famous “Sfax” table. This model is one of those designs where the aesthetic is elevated, and the individual features enhanced when the same models are put together. Said aesthetic is based on the cross-legged base that corresponds to the design of the backrest, which is slightly offset from the middle. Made from Chapo's favourite wood, elm, these chairs have a rustic style with architectural precision. This comes as no surprise, as Pierre Chapo trained as an architect in Paris and this knowledge becomes evident in his elaborate structural solutions. The slightly more rounded edges show that these chairs are an older, authentic version of the “S34” model. The cross-legged bases match the backs that are slightly placed out of the middle, enhancing the masterful asymmetry that not only distinguishes the design, but also adds a sense of playfulness. The overall look is very sleek, and combined with details like the visible joinery and the solid wooden structure, this set is perfectly imperfect, which is a conscious, Chapo-esque ideal. Chapo's work originated by means of special commissions that would later be adapted to universal needs. Chapo was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's balanced lines, Corbusier's research on proportions and the Bauhaus. The three principles that motivated Pierre Chapo were material, form, and function. Despite his love for the imperfect, he measured his furniture by means of the golden ratio and used elm wood as his preferred material. These “S34” chairs...