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.
$4,727 / item
Sculptural chairs by Yves Pagart
By André Dubreuil
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très jolie chaises zoomorphe par Yves Pagart, Nos chaises sont issues d’une édition limitée de 16. Elles sont signées, datées et numérotées. Elles sont e...
Metal
Sculptural Solid Wood Chair by Mobius Objects
By Möbius Objects
Located in Calgary, AB
Complex yet functional joinery transcends trends making this piece a timeless addition to any interior decor. On it's own or as a set, a contemporary classic. One American Black ...
Wood, Walnut
Pipo Chair by Piegatto, a Sculptural Contemporary Chair
Located in Guatemala, GU
Other Specifications: -Seating Height: 15.6" -Armrest Height: 25.1" -Chair made of 37 Laminated Plywood Birch sections from Nordic Forests. -Weight Capacity: 350 pounds. -Usage:...
Plywood
Sculptural Concrete Chair by Merit, Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic outdoor chair made of solid concrete and each with a perfect and unique patina. Round saucer seat with angular legs. Incredible modern design perfect for any outdoor space....
Concrete
Bonacina Sculptural Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant pair of rattan and bamboo chairs. Made in Italy. Very good vintage condition. Great scale.
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,891Sale Price|20% Off
H 49.22 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Post-Modern Sculptural Chair by Anacleto Spazzapan
By Anacleto Spazzapan
Located in Milano, IT
Sculptural chair designed and made by Anacleto Spazzapan by joining wooden laths of different sizes and shades. It bears the designer's AS initials and features an adjustable backrest.
Wood
$1,120Sale Price|53% Off
H 39.5 in W 25 in D 49 in
Chrome Chair in the Style of the Spine Chair after André Dubreuil, circa 1990s
By André Dubreuil
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This attractive chromed version of the iconic spine chair by a follower of André Dubreuil was acquired in Miami in the 1990s.
Chrome, Iron
Sculptural Chair by Kristina Dam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural chair by Kristina Dam Studio. Materials: Solid oak with oil treatment. Dimensions: 42 x 42 x H 80cm. This piece of furniture is as functiona...
Oak
Sculptural Pine Chairs
Located in London, GB
Set of five sculptural 1970s pine wood, stackable chairs with distinctive wave backs and box-frame bases in a warm honey finish. Good vintage condition with light wear. Note: a sixth...
Pine
Riddle Chair by Piegatto, a Sculptural Contemporary Chair
Located in Guatemala, GU
Other Specifications: -Seating Height: 15.2" -Chair made of 41 Laminated Plywood Birch sections from Nordic Forests. -Weight Capacity: 350 pounds. -Usage: Indoors. Outdoor use only u...
Plywood
Uma Chair by Piegatto, a Sculptural Contemporary Chair
Located in Guatemala, GU
Other Specifications: -Seating Height: 15.6" -Chair made of 32 Laminated Plywood Birch sections from Nordic Forests. -Weight Capacity: 350 pounds. -Usage: Indoors. Outdoor use on...
Plywood
Lāni Marquetry Contemporary Sculptural Chair by VUUV Works
By VUUV Works
Located in Székesfehérvár, HU
In a bolder design, the coolness of metal contrasts with the inviting warmth of wood, while also reflecting the brand's deep-rooted traditionalist motivation. The sculptural object s...
Steel
$4,554 / item
H 27.7 in W 29.8 in D 29.5 in
Riddle Fiber Chair by Piegatto, a Sculptural Outdoor Chair
Located in Guatemala, GU
Other Specifications: -Seating Height: 15.2" -Chair made of fiber glass. -Weight Capacity: 350 pounds. -Usage: Outdoor use. -Maintenance: Clean only with a slightly wet cloth with wa...
Fiberglass
Pair Of Andre Dubreuil Grousset Hammered Steel Chairs
By André Dubreuil
Located in Austin, TX
Sit upon artistry and elegance with André Dubreuil's exquisitely crafted steel chairs. A renowned figure in contemporary decorative arts, Dubreuil is best known for his innovative and often whimsical furniture designs. His work is a masterclass in the combination of sculpture and functional design, utilizing materials such as metal, stone, and glass to create pieces that are both artistic and utilitarian. A prominent voice in the 1980s New British Design movement, Dubreuil seamlessly melds ornate twists of Baroque, lofty Gothic palettes, and the purity of classical styles. His work transcends any single category, making this pair of chairs a true conversation-starter and testament to the art of contemporary furniture. PAIR OF ANDRE' DUBREUIL GROUSSET HAMMERED STEEL CHAIRS...
Steel
Andre Dubreuil Paris Chair
By André Dubreuil
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine example of this Classic Design. Torch welded spots and a Baroque form.
Steel
André Dubreuil Pair of Trevise Chairs with Ashanti Tapestry
By André Dubreuil
Located in Encino, CA
Andre Dubreuil pair of trevise chairs 1988 from a private collection, France André Dubreuil (b.1951) Rare pair of chairs, model « Trévise » France, 1988. Black lacquered Iron an...
Aluminum, Iron
Andre Dubreuil Iron "Spine Chair"
By André Dubreuil
Located in Stamford, CT
Andre Dubreuil iconic iron "Spine Chair".
Iron
Andre Dubreil Sculptural Iron Ram Chair for Ceccotti Collezioni
By Ceccotti, André Dubreuil
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautifully formed iron chair in excellent original steel grey finish. Stamped Ceccotti Collezioni Designed by Andre Dubreil.
Wrought Iron
Sculptural Wrought Iron "Ram" Chair by André Dubreuil
By André Dubreuil
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron chair made of coilings. Fabric seat.
Wrought Iron
Andre Dubreuil Iron Spine Chair by Ceccotti
By André Dubreuil
Located in Dallas, TX
Powder coated iron spine chair by Andre Dubreuil. This chair was manufactured by Ceccotti in Italy. Great for indoor or outdoor use. The early Spine Chairs were fabricated in Dubreu...
Iron
Spine Chair by Andre Dubreuil
By André Dubreuil
Located in Pasadena, CA
Sculptural “Spine” chair by Andre Dubreuil, circa 1988. Newly powdercoated.
Andre Dubreuil Paris Chair
By André Dubreuil
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
One of the best Design's by Andre Dubeuil. A Zoomorphic form exhibiting Jewell-like details. Provenance: Richard Himmel, Chicago
Steel