Guillerme et Chambron Bridge Armchair for Votre Maison, France 1960s

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Guillerme et Chambron Bridge Armchair for Votre Maison, France 1960s

About the Item

This rare armchair, often referred to as a ‘bridge chair’ is among the most sculptural works of the French designers. “Fauteuil bridge” from France are generally lightweight chairs, often part of a set of matching chairs and bridge table. Bridge chairs were originally designed in the late 1930s for ladies for leisure activities, such as for games of bridge, afternoon tea, and gossiping. As this bridge chair exhibits, the models are stylish, of small proportions, well-made, and extremely comfortable. With an interesting open construction, this chair’s frame is very distinctive; the arms have a curvature that flows into the legs in the front, thus the straight lines of the legs in the back and backrest are broken by the flowing shape of the armrests. The backrest is unattached to the seat, which creates a feeling of weightlessness, that is further amplified by the light upholstery. Another distinctive feature is the pair of stretchers set parallel between the front and the back legs. These stretchers brace and hold together the two legs giving structural firmness. The back legs are slightly tapered and connect directly to the back. The structure’s details are enhanced by the beautiful contrast between the blonde oak frame and the elegant light fabric of the upholstery. The back and seat cushions are in an understated rectangular shape, leaving the focus on the wooden body. The woodworking truly shows the overall quality of this chair, the frame is refined and the attention to the smallest details shows the design and manufacturing skills of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This model was created at their workshop, Votre Maison, during the 1960s. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in light bouclé fabric. Dimensions: 23.62 in W x 23.22 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 17.71 in 60 cm W x 59 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 45 cm About the designer: Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boule 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 cabinet maker 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 Twentieth Century, with Jacques’ son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the Ecole Boulle, having taken the reins in 1983. ~H. Shipping: This armchair will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in the gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

Creator:
Guillerme et Chambron (Designer),Votre Maison (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 29.93 in (76 cm)Width: 23.63 in (60 cm)Depth: 23.23 in (59 cm)Seat Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Fabric,Wood
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1960s
Condition:
Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in light bouclé fabric.
Seller Location:
Utrecht, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: 201902711stDibs: LU2947324783542

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.