Pierre Chapo "S10" Lounge Chairs for Atelier Chapo, France 1960s

The post-war period in France saw a wide array of inventive and creative contributions to the history of design. What made this particular period so prolific and influential is that ...

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...

Pierre Chapo, the celebrated French designer, is renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach to woodworking. Trained as an architect in Paris, Chapo was deeply ...

The “Edouard” lounge chair is often described as a “caquetoire”, in other (non-French) words a conversation chair. This type of seating was an armchair style which emerged during the European Renaissance in France. As the name suggests, this type of chair was meant for sitting for elongated periods to chat. Generally, these chairs were also highly regarded for their aesthetic value as well, which can also be said about this exceptional chair model. The Edouard is a sculptural model with a blonde oak frame that is characteristic of the French designer duo. The design showcases the wide variety of shapes and forms of the solid oak frame, from the hand-sculpted, organic curving lines to the straighter spindles consisting the backrest. Naturally, a conversation chair needs to be first and foremost functional and comfortable, therefore the back is slightly tilted, and the seat raised, aided by the generous seat and back cushions. The light coloured upholstery beautifully complements the wood and the small loops of the bouclé highlight the smoothness of the frame’s surfaces. The French caquetoire chairs...