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B17C
Bibliothèque in Solid Elm 283 cm / 111.42 in.
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Early Pierre Chapo
B17C
Bibliothèque in Solid Elm 283 cm / 111.42 in.
$48,600
£37,188.07
€42,562.12
CA$68,636
A$74,595.55
CHF 39,976.40
MX$905,722.48
NOK 501,879.42
SEK 465,416.88
DKK 317,886.65
About the Item
Pierre Chapo, 'Bibliothèque' wall unit bookshelf, largest version, model 'B17C', solid elm, France, design circa 1967
This wall unit, known as model ‘B17’, is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (1927-1987), known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood and a commitment to pure and clean design and construction principles. This bookcase is the largest version, measuring 283 cm / 111.42 in. in width. The shelving system made its debut at the Salon des Arts Ménagers in 1967. This robust and solid bookcase consists of four elm shelves that rest on brackets. While brackets are typically placed beneath shelves, Chapo chose to play with these rules by designing supports that fit seamlessly into the uprights. As a result, the supports function both as structural elements and as bookends. By mounting to the wall, this bookcase maximizes available living space. This wall unit embodies the Champagne style, with Chapo being a prominent exponent of the movement, alongside Charlotte Perriand.
Pierre Chapo (1927-1987) was born in a family of craftsmen and trained as an architect at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Already from a young age, he felt the need to roam the world. He was only twenty-one when he left France in order to spend the next few years traveling through England and Scandinavia. In December of 1951, he was living back in Paris, where he met his future wife, Nicole. Their meeting was the beginning of a lifelong union. Together, the lovebirds travelled through South and North America being captivated by the architectural diversity. Back in France, he and his partner Nicole set up Société Chapo in 1957. Société Chapo was a design workshop and gallery in one where he showed his own creations. However, Nicole also presented her ceramics, and textiles here and they even exhibited other great designers of that period. In 1958, they opened their famous gallery at 14 Boulevard de l'Hopital. Chapo's work originated by means of special commissions that could later be adapted to universal needs. Throughout his career, Chapo combined his interest for contemporary design with his love for traditional craftsmanship. In his designs, he was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's balanced lines, Corbusier's research on proportions and the ideas of Bauhaus. The three principles that motivated Pierre Chapo were 'material, form, and function.' He measured his furniture by means of golden ratio and used elmwood as his preferred material. Unfortunately, Chapo fell ill, and he died in 1987, however, until his last day, he kept on designing and working.
- Creator:Pierre Chapo (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 72.05 in (183 cm)Width: 111.42 in (283 cm)Depth: 13.59 in (34.5 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftspeople in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. Check ‘About the item’ or ask our design specialists for detailed information on the condition.
- Seller Location:Waalwijk, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: 501174491stDibs: LU933147742702
Pierre Chapo
Pierre Chapo, who was born in Paris, France, in July 1927, was initially interested in becoming a professional painter. However, after a chance meeting with a shipbuilder who introduced him to wood and woodworking, Chapo changed his focus and decided to study architectural studies at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
After graduating, Chapo and his wife, the sculptor and painter Nicole Lormier, started traveling extensively through Scandinavia and Central America. Among the many places the couple visited was Taliesin West, the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright — a visit that had a lasting influence on Chapo’s future work and designs.
Find a collection of vintage Pierre Chapo coffee tables, stools and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by H. Gallery)
About the Seller
4.9
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
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