This rare pair of armchairs is among the rarest chair models of the French designers. “Fauteuil bridge” or bridge chairs from France are generally lightweight chairs, often part of a set of matching chairs and bridge table. Bridge chairs were originally designed in the late 1930s for ladies for leisure activities, such as for games of bridge, afternoon tea, and gossiping. As this pair of bridge chairs exhibits, the models are stylish, of small proportions, well-made, and extremely comfortable.

With an interesting open construction, these chairs’ construction is very distinctive; the arms have a curvature that flows freely, but doesn’t reach the end of the seat. This show the function that the designers could have had in mind when they designed this model. These chairs are designed to accommodate their users while they are engaging in some form of activity that requires their hands. Aesthetically, the straight lines of the legs are broken by the flowing shape of the armrests. The backrests are unattached to the seats, which creates a feeling of weightlessness, that is further amplified by the light upholstery. The signature joinery techniques and material of the designers, oak, are perfectly matched by the colour and the texture of the bouclé that elevate the structure’s details. The back and seat cushions are in an understated rectangular shape, leaving the focus on the wooden bodies.

The woodworking truly shows the overall quality of this pair of chairs, the frames are refined and the attention to the smallest details shows the design and manufacturing skills of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This model was created at their workshop, Votre Maison, during the 1960s.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and discoloration on the wood. The chairs’ cushions have been reupholstered recently in a light bouclé fabric.

Dimensions:

21.26 in W x 24.02 in D x 32.09 in H x 18.50 in SH x 27.17 in AH

54 cm W x 61 cm D x 81.5 cm H x 47 cm SH x 69 cm AH

About the designer:

Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boule 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 Twentieth Century, with Jacques’ son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the Ecole Boulle, having taken the reins in 1983. ~H.