Pair French Mid-Century Modern Grid Back Cherry Lounge / Armchairs, Rene Gabriel

An Iconic pair of French Mid-Century Modern armchairs, club or lounge chairs in solid cherry by Rene Gabriel, circa 1948. The chairs feature angled armrests and angled saber legs with stunning grid form back rests which propel the chairs forward into a distinctive modern sensibility. The grid back form has since become an emblematic design of Rene Gabriel. In addition, Gabriel initiated a design innovation as he was one of the first designers to design the chairs proudly displaying their means of construction and to highlight the means of construction itself as an element of style! Thus, the solid cherry wood frame is tongue and groove notched and displayed at the front of the chairs where the legs join the arms. This gives the chairs a bold look. The chairs have been refinished and have new cushions covered in cotton. Gabriel was one of the premiere Modernist designers in France in the post war 1940...

A rare and inportant pair of the 'Tripolina' folding chairs designed by Joseph B. Fenby. Tripolina folding chairs present a wooden frame with metal fixings and a beautiful removable seat realized in high-quality leather. These lounge chairs are designed for practicality and remarkable comfort while reflecting casual elegance. They also strike an important design statement that references the history of furniture as they were among the first folding chairs. These design icons were manufactured by the Italian Viganò company during the 1930s and are in completely original condition with a beautiful patina. They are stamped "Brevettato" on frames; the leather seats have been replaced. The original “Tripolina” chair was invented by the Englishman Joseph Beverley Fenby. It was patented in the United Kingdom in 1877 and in the United States in 1881. It was used in military campaigns, where it was ideal because it was designed to fold up compactly — while still being comfortable and stable. It was manufactured by Fenby’s own company in the UK and shortly after in Wisconsin, USA. Later, it was manufactured by the Italian Viganò company in Tripoli, Libya.. Used by ordinary people and presidents alike, it’s been an extraordinarily versatile chair for nearly 150 years. This first folding chair from the late 19th century, 1881. It inspired a lot of midcentury modern designers, of which the best known example is the 'Butterfly chair' by Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari Hardoy. However, these later adaptions do not match the elaborate folding wood construction, style and deep comfort of the original "Tripolina" chair. Literature: Domus n. 97, January 1936; I. de Guttry, M. P. Maino, Il mobile déco italiano, p. 56, Laterza, 1988.. Additional References: Military and campaign furniture, Napoleon, Folding and portable...

The iconic French oak wood lounge chair and armchair by French designer Rene Gabriel with grid back. Newly upholstered and new cushions done in a cream white Italian boucle. Rene ...

Origin: Denmark Designer: Grete Jalk Manufacturer: France + Søn Era: 1957 Materials: Teak, Wool Measurements: 30.75" wide x 29" deep x 32.75" tall