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André Sornay Wardrobes and Armoires

French, 1902-2000

Although he is among the least known of the like-minded French Art Deco furniture designers of his era, André Sornay introduced innovative fabrication techniques and a unique decorative style to his modernist seating, case pieces and other creations.

Sornay was born in Lyon in 1902, and graduated from École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Lyon in 1918. His career as a furniture designer began in 1919 when he was appointed head of his family’s furniture company after his father’s death. 

In the early 1920s — inspired by the Bauhaus and De Stijl as well as his friends and fellow French avant-garde designers Francis Jourdain and Pierre Chareau — Sornay shifted the company’s focus from manufacturing period reproductions to creating contemporary designs.

Sornay’s work fused tradition with modernism. He preferred to work with metals, exotic woods such as mahogany and rosewood, rubber and Duco lacquer for a range of cabinets, desks, chairs and mirrors. Sornay’s pieces featured sleek brass drawer pulls and sharply geometric lines, and the distinctive mode that he worked in was known throughout Lyon as “Le Style Sornay.”

Sornay was also recognized for his inventive design methods that were not only decorative but functional. In 1932, he patented the cloudage technique — studding the perimeter of veneered furniture panels with uniform brass nails. Sornay integrated this technique into his wardrobes, side tables and the armchairs he designed, which were frequently defined by clean lines and  sharp angles. In the early 1950s, he also patented a technique called the “Tigette,” which allowed for quick and easy assembly or disassembly of modular furniture — a forerunner to IKEA’s flat-packed furniture.

While Sornay isn’t as well known as other European modernists like Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, he attracted modest attention at exhibitions of the day, such as the 1923 Salon d’Automne and the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, the design fair that brought the Art Deco style to the world. He was awarded the bronze medal at Paris’s Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne in 1937.

In the late 1950s, Sornay ceded control of his furniture design company to his children, remaining as an advisor until production ceased in 1999. He died the following year. 

On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage André Sornay case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and tables.

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Creator: André Sornay
1960s Sonacotra Wardrobe Cabinet by André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This midcentury cabinet, crafted by the renowned French designer André Sornay, is a true testament to his innovative design philosophy. The piece presents a masterful integration of ...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Oak

1930s Modernist Wardrobe by André Sornay, Stamped and Documented
By Andre Sornay
Located in CA, CA
This masterful and exceptionally proportioned Modernist wardrobe by André Sornay shows why his stature as one of the most important designers ...
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1940s French Art Deco Vintage André Sornay Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Wardrobe by Andre Sornay in mahogany and beige panels 1960
By Andre Sornay
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Wardrobe made by Andre Sornay in the sixties Feet in black metal (added by previous owner), frame in mahogany, panels in white off lacquer ( all from origin) Large storage space Pane...
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Mid-20th Century French André Sornay Wardrobes and Armoires

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Metal

Rare André Sornay French Wardrobes Armoires Art Deco Modernist 40s - F613
By Andre Sornay
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Armoire, bookcase from the 50's by the french designer André Sornay. Structure in solid mahogany and veneer highlighted by a system of brass nails perfectly aligned around the furniture (see photos). The large sliding door opens on a series of solid wood shelves...
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1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage André Sornay Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass, Copper

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André Sornay wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs.

André Sornay wardrobes and armoires are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of André Sornay wardrobes and armoires, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wardrobes and armoires by André Sornay were created in the mid-century modern style in france during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wardrobes and armoires by Louis Vuitton, Votre Maison, and Guillerme et Chambron. Prices for André Sornay wardrobes and armoires can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $11,095 and can go as high as $28,772, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,159.

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