Guillerme et Chambron Sculptural Oak Chair for Votre Maison, France, 1950s

View Similar Items

Guillerme et Chambron Oak Stool for Votre Maison, France 1950s

Set of 8 oak chairs by Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison

Guillerme et Chambron, Set of 6 Oak Chairs, Edition Votre Maison, 1970

Guillerme et Chambron, Six Oak Chairs, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970

“Grand Repos” Chair by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, France 1950s

Set of 6 "Fumay"chairs by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, France, 1970's

Guillerme et Chambron Pair of “Fumay” Dining Armchairs for Votre Maison, France

Guillerme et Chambron, Rare Oak Armchairs Edition Votre Maison circa 1960

Guillerme et Chambron, Set of Six Oak Chairs, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 20

Guillerme et Chambron Sculptural Oak Chair for Votre Maison, France, 1950s

About the Item

This rare oak chair is a delightfully unique piece even if measured against the other seating models in the repertoire of the French designer duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This curving, spindle back model truly deserves the title of iconic, both in terms of quality and design. It visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo’s company significantly influenced French design history. From every angle, this chair’s design has unique solutions that are unmistakeable and blur the line between furniture and sculpture. From the duo’s trademark oak frame to the sculptural legs and backrest, this model is characteristic of the designers’ unique style, while also featuring details that are one-of-a-kind. Such a detail is the curving seat and its joinery, that shows expert craftsmanship and creativity. The unusual backrest emerges from the seat like a throne. The spindles enhance this appearance, especially with the longer, middle spindle that forms one of the back legs. The armrests embrace the whole back, and along with the legs are sculpted with precision to serve a double purpose: an aesthetic role, and a functional one. Thanks to the curving shape and thick, comfortable seat and back cushions, this chair is perfect for cosy lounging. The white bouclé fabric is a great choice, as it highlights the oak’s smooth surface and colour as well. The company of the duo, Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, and the power duo was working with master cabinetmaker, Émile Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. As this brilliant chair shows, well-crafted structures, polished wood and thick cushions created the now world-famous reputation of their seating designs. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. The sofa’s cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 33.46 in W x 28.74 in D x 33.07 in H; seat height 15.74 in 85 cm W x 73 cm D x 84 cm H; seat height 40 cm About the Designer: Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boulle where he excelled in architecture and furniture design. After the Second World War he moved to Lille, in the north of France, where he decorated homes and designed furniture for the well regarded Rogier workshops. In 1948, Guillerme was joined by his long-time friend, decorator Jacques Chambron in Lille. The following year Guillerme and Chambron met master cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, owner of a woodworking shop and the company Votre Maison was born. Together, they defined and imposed a new furniture concept. Thanks to their distinctive creativity, originality, and quality, the Votre Maison quickly became well-known. The Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, welcoming and advising clients. The power duo was complemented by Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. Well-crafted chair back, polished wood and thick cushions make the reputation of their armchairs and sofas. Votre Maison continued to produce furniture right into the 20th century, with Jacques’s son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the École Boulle, having taken the over in 1983. ~H.

Creator:
Guillerme et Chambron (Designer),Votre Maison (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 33.08 in (84 cm)Width: 33.47 in (85 cm)Depth: 28.75 in (73 cm)Seat Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Fabric,Oak
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
1950s
Condition:
Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. The sofa’s cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric.
Seller Location:
Utrecht, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: 202108671stDibs: LU2947327560092

Shop All Guillerme et Chambron

Guillerme et Chambron

Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron, the French creative duo behind Votre Maison, met under unusual circumstances: They discussed design while imprisoned in a forced labor camp. The pair’s combined talents later resulted in modern, sculptural furniture — today, vintage Guillerme et Chambron desks, dining tables, chairs and other pieces still look conceptually playful and vibrant but could fit harmoniously into any home.

Guillerme had graduated from the École Boulle in 1934 with a degree in design and architecture, and Chambron had studied at the School of Applied Arts in Reims. They were captured by the Germans in East Prussia during the Second World War and struck up a friendship over their mutual love for all things design. After the war ended, Guillerme moved to Lille in northern France; Chambron left his job as a painter and decorator in Paris and joined him in 1948. In 1949, the pair met Émile Dariosecq, a skilled cabinetmaker who enthusiastically agreed to manufacture the duo’s designs, leading to the start of Votre Maison.

Guillerme and Chambron were as prolific as they were detailed, producing more than 2,000 pieces in the second half of the 20th century out of a former gun factory. Their furniture, which was mostly made with different tones of waxed oak, adhered to the trends of design that emerged after the war: mid-century modernism.

European furniture in the postwar period largely prioritized function as much as it did form and lacked any unnecessary ornamentation. Guillerme and Chambron wanted people to actually use their furniture, not just look at it. That design philosophy was a pillar of their company, its name translating to “your house” in French. Their signature touches included ornate tiles, hidden drawers and vibrant textiles on pieces such as desks, tables, shelving, lighting, benches and other seating. One of Votre Maison’s most famous and popular pieces was the Grand Repos armchair, a stately, high-backed wide piece with a skeletal oak frame, six spindles and plush cushions.

While Guillerme and Chambron were a team, they handled different aspects of the business: Guillerme designed much of the furniture and Chambron concentrated on decor. Votre Maison was a full-service design business. In 1983, the dynamic duo passed on their company to Chambron’s son, Hervé, a designer and graduate of École Boulle.

Find a collection of vintage Guillerme et Chambron furniture on 1stDibs.