This rare oak settee is a delightfully unique piece even if measured against the other seating models in the repertoire of the French designer duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This curving model truly deserves adjectives such as unique or even iconic, both in terms of quality and design. It visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo’s company significantly influenced French design history.

From every angle, this settee’s design has unique solutions that are unmistakeable. Starting with the French duo’s trademark oak frame to the sculptural legs and backrests, this model is characteristic of the designers’ unique style, while also featuring details that are one-of-a-kind. Such a detail is the curving seat and its joinery, that shows expert craftsmanship and creativity. The curve also serves as a table, adding much functionality and practicality to the sculptural look. The unusual seat resembles a slatted bench, while the two, individual backrests break the flat surfaces and emerge like thrones. The spindles enhance this appearance, especially with the longer, middle spindles that also serve as back legs. The armrests and legs are sculpted with precision to serve a double purpose: an aesthetic role, and a functional one. The corner segment adds a lot of openness to the design, preventing it from looking heavy. The curving shape and thick, comfortable seat and back cushions provide plenty of comfort, therefore this settee is perfect for cosy lounging.

The company of the duo, Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, and the power duo was working with master cabinetmaker, Émile Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. As this brilliant settee shows, well-crafted structures, polished wood and thick cushions created the now world-famous reputation of their seating designs.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. The settee has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

79.92 in W x 42.51 in D x 36.61 in H; Seat height 14.96 in; Arm height 23.42 in

203 cm W x 108 cm D x 93 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Arm height 59.5 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.