Artist and furniture creator André Dubreuil rejected the label "designer” and dismissed the notion of form over function. He’s on record as having said, "if we were merely functionalists we would still be sitting on rocks." Dubreuil's passion was to catch a person's attention and hold it — he did that with outwardly sculptural chairs, wrought iron tables and other furnishings.
Though his works serve their intended function quite well, Dubreuil intentionally masked their purpose in favor of producing pieces that bring delight to the beholder — as exemplified in his Spine chair, created in 1986. Arabesque lines bring form to his work by way of an almost lace-like structure in slender, curving metal table frames and chair legs. It's art that bears a resemblance to furniture.
Originally from Lyon, France, Dubreuil came from a wealthy pharmaceutical and medical research family. He had a classical upbringing, surrounded by ornate furniture and lavish decor, and so became accustomed to the finer things in life.
As a teenager, he moved to London to study drawing and drafting at the Inchbald School of Design. Dubreuil became a painter and worked as an antiques dealer before he fell in love with decorating. In 1981, he opened a workshop — alongside three colleagues, including British furniture designer Tom Dixon — creating decorative furniture from salvaged pieces of scrap metal and automotive parts.
Dubreuil drew on the work of French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle and Louis XV-era furnishings as well as French Art Deco and Emilé-Jacques Ruhlmann. He eventually produced a body of work in patinated steel, copper, marble and colored glass for clients including Louis Vuitton and Chanel that would be just as much at home in an art gallery as it would be in a parlor or dining room.
Dubreuil passed away in 2022, leaving behind a magnificent array of furnishings that invite admiration and uplift any space.
Find vintage André Dubreuil tables, seating and lighting on 1stDibs.
André Dubreuil for Daum Monumental Chantilly Vase and Pedestal
By André Dubreuil, Daum
Located in Franklin Park, IL
André Dubreuil for Daum Monumental Chantilly Vase and Pedestal The vase measures: 14.75 wide x 14.75 deep x 12.75 inches high The pedestal measures: 12...
Metal
Lucite and Limestone Column or Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
A late 20th-century pedestal column made of lucite and limestone. The base is made of clear lucite with some scuffing. The top half of the column is ornately and exquisitely carved l...
Lucite
Monumental Pair of Gilt Bronze Mounted Marble Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality monumental pair of gilt bronze mounted marble pedestal with Corinthian capitol Origin: French Date: 19th century Dimension: 54 1/4 in x 12 1/2 in.
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Monumental Iron Armillary Sphere on Classical Stone Pedestal
Located in Potters Bar, GB
An impressive garden armillary sphere mounted upon a substantial classical-style stone pedestal The openwork iron sphere is formed from intersecting rings representing the principal ...
Stone
Mid Century C1980 Iron Spine Chair Attributed to Andre Dubreuil
By André Dubreuil
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous sinewy design from the eighties by Andre Dubreuil. The spine chair is a rigorous and Sculptural design meant to enchant and encourage future designers. In excellent vintage ...
Iron
Italian Plexiglass and Travertine Pedestal/Column/Base/Leg
Located in Vilnius, LT
Mid-century Italian plexiglass and travertine pedestal/columns/base/legs. Can be used as a base for table or console. Heavy and solid. Very good/excellent vintage condition.
Travertine
Chair in the Style of the Spine Chair after André Dubreuil
By André Dubreuil
Located in North Miami, FL
This whimsical and all vintage iron and metal chair is perfect for outdoors or indoors. Designed after André Dubreuil's iconic Spine chair.
Metal, Iron
Pair of Lacquered and Brass Pedestals
By Mastercraft
Located in London, GB
A late 20th century pair of pedestals with ebonized bases brass soccles and capitals with cream lacquered plinths. American circa 1970 by Mastercraft.
Brass
$7,402 / set
H 54.34 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
Italian Design Pair of Green Lightened Clear Crystal Pedestal with Vases Inside
By DD Dimore
Located in Brescia, IT
Italian design pair of green lightened clear crystal pedestal with vases inside in a Comtemporary style The columns have a vase on the top, usefu...
Crystal
Pedestal Column Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A mirrored pedestal column stand, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century, 1970s. Display sculpture, a plant, books, vase, a light/lamp, urn, etc.
Mirror
$8,950
H 125 in W 17 in D 16 in
17th Century Architectural Monumental Italian Corinthian Columns on Pedestals
Located in Dallas, TX
Sold as a PAIR. Over three centuries in age and hailing from Italy, this exquisite pair of Corinthian columns has been handcrafted and conscientiously rendered as pure representation...
Walnut
Monumental Travertine Pedestal
Located in Pasadena, CA
Impressively scaled custom travertine pedestal, circa 1990's, This piece came from the estate of longtime Jeopardy post Alex Trebek.
Travertine
Pedestal for Garden Pots
Located in Chorzów, PL
Dimensions: height 88 cm / width 52 cm / depth. 52 cm.
Plaster
20th Century Monumental Stoneware Columns on Polygonal Pedestals
Located in Greding, DE
Monumental Pair of Columns on polygonal pedestals with round bases and smooth shafts.
Stoneware
Modernist Mirrored Pedestal
Located in Denton, TX
Modernist mirrored pedestal / plant stand.
Mirror
Bertu Pedestals, Modern Wood Pedestal, White, Maple
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Pedestals, Modern Wood Pedestal, White, Maple Please scroll down to read IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT OUR STUMPS before purchase! Why bu...
Wood, Maple