The architect Pierre Guariche was one of the leading modern furniture and lighting designers of postwar France. Guariche can, in some ways, be thought of as the French version of Charles Eames: with his lean and angular chairs and slender, sculptural table lamps, he helped introduce a new aesthetic to the country’s interiors — and he was an eager pioneer in the use of new industrial materials and production techniques that emerged in the 1950s.
Guariche studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (the national design academy) under René Gabriel — a designer known for his quality, mass-produced furnishings, who served as a director of the postwar Ministry of Reconstruction. Two years after graduating in 1949, Guariche opened his own design firm, and he was soon creating pieces for numerous companies, including the lighting manufacturer Disderot.
Wood and metal were rationed in the years following the war and Guariche learned to do more with less. His chairs of the early 1950s include several designs with narrow, softly angular wooden frames; others, like the Tonneau chair, feature a single piece of molded plywood set atop metal legs. His lamps of the period are likely his best-known works. They include delicate compositions of slender steel tubes, and more flamboyant pieces such as the Kite lamp, with its curved metal reflector panel.
Always on the lookout for new materials, Guariche spent several years in the mid-1950s operating a firm making furniture in fiberglass and other plastics, along with Joseph André Motte and others. After 1957 — when Guariche was named head of design for the Belgian company Meurop and given a brief to create stylish, up-to-date chairs and cabinets — he began to look to America for ideas.
In the mid-1960s, Guariche produced several lines of deeply upholstered, rounded lounge chairs inspired by the Space Age look, and gave them names like Jupiter, Polaris and Luna. While Guariche always kept pace with his times, throughout his career he showed a consistent talent for producing elegant, eye-catching forms using a minimum of materials.
Find vintage Pierre Guariche furniture today on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century French 'L-10' Sectional Sofa by Pierre Guariche for Airborne, 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and sought-after 'L-10' sectional sofa designed by Pierre Guariche for the renowned French company, Airborne, in the 1950s. This piece is classically styled with a black ename...
Metal
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.5 in W 115 in D 35 in
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional L Shaped Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A curvy three piece sectional designed by Carson's Furniture and produced in the early 1980s. It features a unique over lapping cushion design. Fabric is original, and dated, but usa...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon an upholstered plinth-style ba...
Fabric, Upholstery
Mid Century Modern Style Four Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Mid Century Modern style four piece sectional sofa with 2 contoured end units and 2 curved center units that offers ample seating. The sectional with button tufted backs, foam fill...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Mid Century Preview Sectional Sofa with Chaise
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mid Century Preview Sectional Sofa with Chaise This sectional sofa measures: 113 wide x 67 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 ...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,350Sale Price|55% Off
H 30 in W 127 in D 100 in
Mid Century Modern Sectional Sofa with Vintage Upholstery
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern sofa features three piece sectional design, beautiful white vintage upholstery, removable cushions, and tufted seat backs. Dimensions: 127w from arm to arm ...
Fabric, Upholstery
Wonderful Eight Piece Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful eight-piece sectional sofa. This set will need to be re-upholstered but that's what you designers are looking for anyway-right? We have several other sectionals in this sty...
Upholstery
$48,000
H 31 in W 125.5 in D 107 in
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA, two-piece sectional sofa. The sofa features split arm rests and an exposed sculpted ebonized wood frame. This sofa has been fully reupholster...
Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery
Super Seven-Piece Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic seven-piece Preview sectional sofa. This set will need to be re-upholstered but that's what you designers are looking for anyway, right? The measurements of each straight p...
Upholstery
$1,165Sale Price|25% Off
H 27.96 in W 28.75 in D 24.41 in
Armchair G1 de Pierre Guariche, Airborne 1950
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair model G1 by Pierre Guariche - Airborne Edition - 50s. White metal structure (wear traces of use in the photos) - redone yellow canvas cover.
Metal
Mid-Century Slat Back Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique two-piece sectional sofa features vintage vinyl upholstery and a sturdy American walnut frame. Each piece features one brass studded sculpted armrest, can be placed side ...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.5 in W 130 in D 130 in
Magnificent 10 Piece Milo Baughman style Cube Sectional Sofa Selig Mid-Century
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent 10 piece Milo Baughman style cube sectional sofa by Selig. This is a big one to say the least with 5 corner pieces, 2 side pieces and 3 otto...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 25.99 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Sectional 'Capitole' Sofa by Pierre Guariche by Minvielle, France, 1960s
By Pierre Guariche, Les Huchers-Minvielle 1
Located in Berlin, DE
Amazing set of three pierre guariche aquilon chairs and one stool from France, 1960s. Newly upholstered in green fabric. Mahogany base is in good vintage condition. Edition Huchers...
Fabric, Mahogany