Mid-Century Modern Red Leather Space Age Club Chair Raphael Raffel, France, 1965
About the Item
- Creator:Raphael Raffel (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 26.38 in (67 cm)Width: 29.14 in (74 cm)Depth: 27.56 in (70 cm)Seat Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1965
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: FC20081stDibs: LU5559222227102
Raphael Raffel
Best known in the world of design as simply Raphaël, Raphaël Raffel was one of the most influential French mid-century modern designers and decorators. His style inspirations ranged from 18th-century Parisian design to 1960s American and Italian Space Age chic.
Born in 1912 in Paris, Raffel studied design at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1934, he began an interior decorating business, counting legendary French-American dancer Josephine Baker among his first clients.
During the 1930s and throughout the 1940s, Raffel was regarded as one of France’s illustrious “ensembliers-décorateurs,” designers who not only created furniture but focused on every element of interior space, from wall decorations to lighting.
By the 1950s, Raffel’s decorating and design talents had gained the attention of the French public service. Several commissions were awarded to Raffel to decorate embassies, university residences, post offices, the National Assembly and the ground floor and a wing of the Hôtel de Ville de Paris. Additionally, in 1952, Raffel worked with French designer, sculptor and architect André Arbus to decorate a section of the luxury ocean liner Bretagne. That same year, Raffel’s work was shown with designs by French ceramist Georges Jouve at the Salon des Arts Ménagers. In 1958, Raffel exhibited at the Brussels World’s Fair.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Raffel was inspired by the era’s popular Space Age style, evident in his plush, croissant-shaped sofas and pod-shaped lounge chairs, club chairs and armchairs, which he designed for furniture makers such as Maison Honoré and Herman Miller. Raffel also combined lacquer, glasswork, distinct colors and gilt bronze in his elegant, French neoclassical coffee and cocktail tables, side tables and desks.
Towards the end of the 1970s, Raffel’s business began to wane, finally closing in 1983. Raffel continued to work on design and decorating commissions until he died in 2000.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Raphaël Raffel seating and tables.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllVintage 1960s English Chairs
Faux Leather
Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Upholstery
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Armchairs
Velvet
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Teak
You May Also Like
1990s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather
Vintage 1960s Italian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Fiberglass
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel
