This oaken “Petit Repos” chair deserves its title of iconic. Both in terms of quality and design, this model represents why Votre Maison, the French duo Guillerme et Chambron’s company, significantly influenced French design history.

This chair is known in French as a “Caqueteuse” chair (from Fr.: caqueter, ‘to chatter’), introduced into Britain from France in the late 16th century. It is a type of light open-backed chair with a flared seat and a high, straight backrest. The spine work resembling fingers visible in the back is a signature design feature of the French duo. The solid wooden support for the back is made up of six spindles that extend upwards, and are slightly curved, creating a rounded backrest. The armrests also show an interesting curvature that flows into the legs in the front. This “Petit Repos” displays a beautiful contrast between the light oak frame and the elegant light fabric of the cushions. Separating this chair from the rest is the shape of the pillow for the backrest; the stylish round shape lets the visually arresting back stand out even more, while still providing comfort. The pillow is held in place at the back with small loops to secure its placement. The generous seat cushion is in a more traditional shape, adding great sitting comfort.

The woodworking truly shows the overall quality of this chair, the frame is refined and the attention paid to the smallest detail shows the design and manufacturing skills of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron.

SOLD

‎Condition:

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

30.11 in W x 31.88 in D x 35.23 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 22.83 in

76.5 cm W x 81 cm D x 89.5 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 58 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.