Pierre Jeanneret, Library Chair, circa 1959-1960

This piece comes from the famous Chandigarh project in India, as when India gained independence in 1947, Nehru decided to commission a contemporary architect for the creation of the new capital of the Punjab region, which would become Chandigarh. Le Corbusier's project was designed to illustrate the bright future of the new country. The project also included the creation of all the furniture of administrative buildings and housing. For the design of this furniture, Le Corbusier chose Pierre Jeanneret, his cousin and lifelong collaborator. Both of these architects-designers' styles remained eminently modern, while respectful of Indian savoir-faire and craftsmanship.