This oaken “Grand Repos” sofa deserve its title of iconic, both in terms of quality and design. This model visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo’s company significantly influenced French design history.

Guillerme and Chambron are known for their high-quality, solid oak furniture and the “Grand Repos” models are the most distinctive thanks to their spindle backrests. With a solid wooden frame, the support for the back consists of eleven, symmetrically arranged wooden spindles extending upwards. The backrest is slightly tilted for comfort, aided by the generous seat and back cushions. The three circular cushions break the mostly straight lines of the sofa’s structure without drawing attention away from it. The creative overarching spindles create an almost throne-like effect. The curvature of the arms follows the lines of the back, and gently curve outwards. “Grand Repos” stands for “great rest” in French, and with a well-though out, elegant design, this sofa is sure to provide exactly that.

The elegant, light bouclé upholstery of the seat and round back cushions beautifully compliments the light oak frame. The back cushions are secured with loops that encompass the back spindles, ensuring that the cushions stay in position. The bottom consists of two cushions framed by the curved wooden armrests which extend to the front legs. The woodworking truly shows the overall quality of this sofa, the frame is refined and the attention to the smallest detail shows the design and manufacturing skills of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron.

SOLD

Condition:

In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa’s cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric.

Dimensions:

60.6 in W x 37 in D x 35.8 in H; Seat height 15.3 in

154 cm W x 94 cm D x 91 cm H; Seat height 39 cm

About the Designer:

Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boulle 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 cabinetmaker 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 20th century, with Jacques’s son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the École Boulle, having taken the over in 1983. ~H.