The collaboration of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron was destined to be as influential as prolific. As this set comprised of a lounge chair and stool testifies, Votre Maison - the duo’s own company - left an indelible stamp on the design of the 1950s, 60s and 70s as a result of the visual and material quality and distinctiveness of their designs.

The lounge chair has an open oaken construction, featuring masterfully crafted curved and diagonal lines. As this model’s features show, the designers’ focus was as keenly attuned to functionality — furniture’s use in daily life — as to the creation of innovative design. From the duo’s trademark oak frame to the sculptural legs, arms and backrest, this model is characteristic of the designers’ unique style, while also featuring details that are one-of-a-kind. Such a detail is the back that is composed of sculpted oak slats. Uniquely, the back is unattached to the body apart from the seat. The freely standing back is therefore very apparent, even among the numerous other design elements. The bouclé’s texture stands out next to the smooth surface of the oak. Similarly to the chair, the well-formed stool is also dominated by its blonde oak construction that is immediately recognizable. The shape the seat forms with the sides resembles the Japanese “torii” gate that has an unmistakable look. The concave seat breaks the rigour of the design and adds the mid-century flair. The craftsmanship of Guillerme and Chambron is evident in the sculpted details and the joinery technique of both pieces.

Not only did Votre Maison produce over two thousand models during the latter half of the twentieth century, its output also served as a model for a vast field of liveable contemporaneous design. This steady output of beautiful furniture bucked convention not merely in the equal emphasis Guillerme placed on function and aesthetics, but in the almost paradoxical creation of a consistent style that was as staid as it was arresting.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric.

Dimensions:

Chair:

28.93 in W x 32.67 in D x 36.22 in H; Seat height 16.53 in

73.5 cm W x 83 cm D x 92 cm H; Seat height 42 cm

Stool:

20.27 in W x 16.14 in D x 22.04 in H; Seat height 19.68 in

51.5 cm W x 41 cm D x 56 cm H; Seat height 50 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.