Space Age Lounge Chair by Raphaël Raffel, France 1960s

Name: Space Age Lounge Chair by Raphaël Raffel, France 1960s
Brand: Raphael Raffel
Rating: 4.9 (12 reviews)

About the Item

A rare 1960s Space Age lounge chair by French designer Raphaël Raffel. This Modernist chair features a molded smoked acrylic shell that gracefully cradles the body. Its rich, caramel hued original leather upholstery provides a plush sit. The chair's sculptural form and transparent elements make it a standout example of French Modernism. France, 1960s. Raphaël Raffel was a highly influential French mid-century modern designer and decorator. Born in 1912 in Paris, Raffel studied design at the École des Beaux-Arts and began his interior decorating business in 1934, with Josephine Baker among his first clients. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he was esteemed as one of France’s “ensembliers-décorateurs,” creating comprehensive interior designs. By the 1950s, he gained recognition for his work on public spaces, including embassies and the Hôtel de Ville de Paris, and collaborated with André Arbus on the ocean liner Bretagne. Raffel's 1960s and 1970s designs were marked by Space Age influences, seen in his furniture for Maison Honoré and Herman Miller. Condition: Good overall vintage condition. The leather displays cracking and wear throughout that aligns with age and use. Scratches and light staining to the acrylic frame, as shown in photos.

Creator:
Raphael Raffel (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Depth: 26 in (66.04 cm)Seat Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)
Style:
Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Acrylic,Leather
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1960s
Condition:
Good overall vintage condition. The leather displays cracking and wear throughout that aligns with age and use. Scratches and light staining to the acrylic frame, as shown in photos.
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
Seller: 9.497116967223E121stDibs: LU5092142856502

Shop All Raphael Raffel

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.