French architect, sculptor and designer André Arbus was destined to become one of the 20th century’s finest furniture makers. According to him, the craft was in his blood. “I come from an old family of cabinetmakers,” he once said. “From father to son for a very long time. In other words, I was born in a cabinet-making workshop.”
Born in Toulouse in 1903, Arbus spent his childhood working in his father’s business which sold reproductions of 18th century French furniture. He later studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse under sculptor Henry Parayre.
After graduating, Arbus returned to work with his father as the business’s artistic director. When his father retired, Arbus transformed the company from selling furniture reproductions to one that produced his own formidable designs, including cocktail tables, sofa tables and floor lamps that merged neoclassicism with Art Deco and featured alluring modernist characteristics.
In 1925, Arbus exhibited at several shows, including the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, Exposition des Arts Décoratifs, Salon d’Automne, the Gallery L’Epoque and won a medal at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, which brought the Art Deco style to the global stage.
Arbus moved to Paris in 1932, won the prestigious Premier Prix Blumenthal in 1934 and opened his own gallery in 1935. His sconces, chandeliers and dining room tables attracted a steady clientele of some of Paris’s wealthiest. Arbus exhibited at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York and, throughout the 1940s, received numerous notable commissions. The French government gave many of his pieces as gifts to visiting foreign heads of state. He furnished several luxury ocean liners, collaborated with Maison Veronese on a line of lighting fixtures and was tasked to build a jewel cabinet for Princess Elizabeth.
In 1946, Arbus participated in the refurbishment of the Élysée Palace and the Château de Rambouillet with fellow French architects and designers Louis Süe and Jean-Charles Moreux.
Arbus focused on sculpture throughout the 1950s until he died in 1969, drawing inspiration from eminent sculptors such as Vadim Androusov and Sylva Bernt. Today, Arbus’s works can be found in museums around the world.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage André Arbus lighting, tables and seating.
André Arbus sycamore mohair velvet desk or vanity table chair 1934
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, IDF
This vanity table chair, or bureau de dame chair, was designed by André Arbus in the 1930s, and perfectly embodies the refinement of French Art Deco. Crafted in solid sycamore, it re...
Velvet, Sycamore
French Sycamore Champagne Satin Chaise
By André Arbus
Located in Queens, NY
French Mid-Century (1940s) sycamore chaise lounge with champagne satin upholstery and tufted shaped side and back (p. 90 "ANDRE ARBUS" by Yvonne Brunhammer) (authentication letter fr...
Sycamore, Satin
$29,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage French Art Deco Armchairs by André Arbus, Circa 1930-1940
By André Arbus
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French Art Deco pair of armchairs made of hand crafted shellac polished Oakwood, designed and produced by André Arbus in good condition. The detailed dining room chairs hav...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
André Arbus, Extra-wide Parchment-clad Daybed, France, circa 1940
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
This successful model of the great French designer André Arbus is comprised of an array of materials: parchment, lemon wood, and is finished with lacquer and bronze. The Mobilier Nat...
Wood, Upholstery, Parchment Paper
$5,606 / set
Pair of Dining Chairs by Andre Arbus, France
By André Arbus
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of dining chairs by Andre Arbus, France, new orange velvet upholstery.
Wood
$5,800 / item
2 Fine French 1950s Solid Oak Chairs by Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Long Island City, NY
Two fine French Mid-Century solid oak dining / side chairs by Andre Arbus. Created by Arbus for "la Chambre du Commerce et de l'Industrie D'Orleans" in the 1950s. Expert: Amelie Mar...
Oak, Fabric
Andre Arbus Art Deco set of TWELVE dining chairs
By André Arbus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Art Deco set of TWELVE dining chairs, circa 1938, by Andre Arbus in mahogany. 20” wide x 22” deep x 38” high. Could be used with Arbus mahogany dining table #1514. This model is documented and the design is characteristic of Arbus’s late 1930s style, well-manifested in his participation in the The Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne held from 25 May to 25 November 1937 in Paris, France. Andre Arbus (1903-1969) French Art Deco Architect and Designer, ANDRE ARBUS, WAS born in Toulouse, France. A third-generation cabinetmaker, Arbus became active in the Salons of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs and the Salon d’Automne in Paris in 1925 at the young age of 22. His work included commissions for the 1922 oceanliner Bretagne, the 1927 La Provence and Ile-de-France as well as the 1961 France. He often used rare and exotic materials in his refined designs. These were elegant and pure and often gave the appearance of fragility – as in his neo-classical presentation at the Paris International Exposition...
Mahogany
Art Deco Period Cherrywood Armchair by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Montreal, QC
Art Deco Period cherrywood armchair by André Arbus.
Cherry
André Arbus Dressing Stool in Gilded Wood
By André Arbus
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare dressing table stool by André Arbus, crafted in gilded wood with a bronze patina and upholstered in chestnut-brown silk velvet from the French manufacture Prelle. The feet are...
Upholstery, Giltwood
Rare White Gessoed Back Stool by Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare white gessoed back stool by Andre Arbus.
Beech
$48,000 / set
Andre Arbus Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Cherry
By André Arbus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Art Deco dining chairs by Andre Arbus, set of eight in cherry. Documented, 1938. Please note these chairs are unrestored in the photographs.
Cherry
Art Deco Armchairs by André Arbus, Patinated Oak & Leather, 1940
By André Arbus
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of armchairs designed by Andre Arbus (1903-1996). Oak wood with silver colored patina and leather upholstery. France, circa 1940.
Leather, Oak
Set of 8 Andre Arbus French Mid-Century Sycamore Side Chairs
By André Arbus
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 8 French Mid-Century (1938) sycamore side chairs with a shaped upholstered back & seat with scroll form legs (by ANDRE ARBUS) (ref: ARBUS, by Brunhammer, pg 155)
Upholstery, Sycamore
Set of Eight French '1938' Sycamore Side Chairs, Attributed to André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Queens, NY
Set of eight French midcentury 1938 sycamore side chairs with a shaped upholstered back and seat with scroll form legs, by Andre Arbus. (ref: ARBUS, by Brunhammer, pg. 155). André A...
Sycamore, Upholstery
$29,900 / set
Mid-Century Set of four Armchairs by André Arbus.
By André Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Sycamore Armchairs by French Designer André Arbus upholstered in an Art Deco pattern fabric. Documented in the Andre Arbus book. Made in Franc...
Silk, Sycamore
Sculpted Chair N3 in Solid Oak Wood
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Chair made of solid oak (+ linseed oil) (Outdoor use OK) Dimensions: H. 82 x 48 x 48 cm (SH 45 cm) Warm furniture’s made by Russian designer Denis Milovanov from "Soha" studio. Sim...
Oak
$800
H 30 in W 20.5 in D 22 in
Sycamore Wood Upholstered Vanity or Desk Chair with Stylized Wood Arms and Legs
Located in Miami, FL
Sycamore Wood Upholstered Vanity or Desk Chair with Stylized Wood Arms and Legs Offered for sale is an unusual stylized vintage Sycamore wood chair with curved arms that have decora...
Fabric, Sycamore
$1,352 / set
H 32.68 in W 18.12 in D 26.78 in
Medea Chairs by Vittorio Nobili, Fratelli Tagliabue, Italy, 1950s
By Vittorio Nobili
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A nice pair of old, authentic Medea chairs by Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue, Italy, 1950s. The price shown is for a single chair. Signs of use and wear and some minor losses...
Metal
Four French, 1950s Chairs Attributed to Audoux-Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Chic and unfussy set of four oak dining chairs with rope seats, attributed to Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet, of Vibo Vesoul. The backs have a simple medallion decor. The front legs a...
Rope, Oak
Pair of French Art Deco Armchairs attributed to Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of French Art Deco Oak arm chairs, attributed to Andre Arbus, French, circa 1940s. They retain their original naugahyde upholstery. Measurements: 39"H x 24"W x 22"D x 19"Seat H ...
Upholstery, Oak
Dutch 'Backbone' Chaise Longue in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chaise lounge, teak, aluminium and fabric, The Netherlands, 1990s. This exceptional Dutch chaise longue features a seating area crafted from teak...
Steel
Sold|$8,900
H 39.75 in W 89.5 in D 29 in
French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Chaise Longue or Daybed
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome early 19th century French Directoire period chaise longue or daybed in walnut. The walnut has a wonderful patina and striking grai...
Walnut
$5,900
H 21.5 in W 19 in D 19 in
French Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical Vanity Chair, Attributed André Arbus, 1930
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical / Art Deco vanity chair or stool attributed to André Arbus circa 1930. The piece has a dramatic form including rear saber legs and camb...
Walnut
Juan Pablo Molyneux French Tufted Chaise Lounge
Located in New York, NY
Juan Pablo Molyneux French tufted chaise lounge. The chaise lounge has loose cushions, a tufted seat with ultra-suede fabric.
Ultrasuede
French Modern André Arbus Style Lounge Chair
By Jules Leleu, Maison Dominique, Milo Baughman, Maurice Dufrêne, André Arbus
Located in Houston, TX
French modern André Arbus style lounge chair. This shapely French midcentury lounge chair is French design at its best. Large and comfortable with ta...
Fabric, Wood
Upholstered Daybed Chaise Longues
Located in Sheffield, MA
Graceful and inviting, the recamier chaise with arched back and rolled arm. The fainting couch is upholstered but it does show some ware. Although made in the Victorian period, it ...
Upholstery
French Ebonized Daybed with Graceful Lines, circa 1930s
By André Arbus
Located in Stamford, CT
A French ebonized daybed newly upholstered in Belgian linen. Designed in the style of Andre Arbus.
Beech
Armchairs, André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Allerum, SE
Pair of armchairs by André Arbus (1903-1969) in elm burr veneer. Ca 1930s France.
Elm
André Arbus, France, an Elegant Set of 4 Cherrywood Chairs
By André Arbus
Located in Uccle, BE
An elegant set of 4 cherry chairs. They are a reinterpretation by André Arbus of Lorraine's chair. See the last pictures of our listing for the publication of these chairs in "Décor ...
Fruitwood
Art Deco Period Cherrywood Desk Chair by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Montreal, QC
Art Deco Period cherrywood desk chair by André Arbus. with brand new upholstering.
Cherry
Fine Pair of Andre Arbus Footstools
By André Arbus
Located in CA, CA
A fine and rare pair of Andre Arbus Footstools. Classically Arbus, the legs are of elegant neoclassical sweeping form, the X shape is beautifully balanced with decorative circula...
Wood
Andre Arbus French Midcentury Upholstered Side Chairs, Set of 4
By André Arbus
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 French midcentury white lacquered over oak and upholstered high back side chairs with tapered square legs connected by a stretcher (signed: ANDRE ARBUS) (ref: ARBUS, by Brun...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Oak
André Arbus Armchair, 1940
By André Arbus
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Unique French armchair in the style of André Arbus, famous parisian decorator working in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s (in the same way as Jean-Michel Frank, ...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of 1930s French Chairs by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in London, GB
Exceptionally good quality 1930s French chairs from the Arbus workshop privately commissioned in Argentina from Comte by the Edelman family. Com...
Wood
Pair of André Arbus Cerused Oak and Leather Side Chairs
By André Arbus
Located in Chicago, IL
An immaculate pair of cerused oak side chairs by André Arbus with tan leather seat and back. Brass caps and carved details on the front legs.
Leather, Oak
Andre Arbus Collection, Pair of Side Chairs Sale
By André Arbus, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Soquel, CA
Andre Arbus collection by Baker pair of side chairs, circa 2000. Nice modern reproduction of Andre Arbus chairs designed for the 'Jean Laborde' ...
Naugahyde, Wood
André Arbus Chair, circa 1940s
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
A very rare André Arbus chair with a pear embroidered in tapestry style. Original upholstery. Painted white/gold. Some paint chips as seen in photos....
Upholstery, Wood
Exceptionnal and Unique Parmchment Daybed by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Montreal, QC
André Arbus (1903-1969) Exceptionnal and unique curved daybed in parchment and upholstered in velvet with floral motives. Signed twice “André Arbus”, cir...
Parchment Paper
Andre Arbus Edition Barrel Back Club Chair by William Switzer
By André Arbus, William Switzer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Andre Arbus edition barrel back club chair, by William Switzer, Licensed Re- Edition of a masterwork, handmade in 2006. The chair is stamped and in excellent condition.
Upholstery, Burl