Guillerme et Chambron Set of 8 Oak Chairs with Wooden Slatted Seats for Votre Maison, France 1960s (sold)
Guillerme et Chambron Set of 8 Oak Chairs with Wooden Slatted Seats for Votre Maison, France 1960s (sold)
This rare set of eight chairs by the French designers, Guillerme et Chambron, has an elegant appearance combined with distinctive, rustic design elements. Beyond its aesthetic quality, this set is also a testament to the duo’s famous craftsmanship and distinctive style. These chairs, crafted around 1960 in their own workshop, Votre Maison, are a timeless example of their innovative approach to furniture design.
The defining feature of these chairs is the exquisite use of oak, a material that has been synonymous with durability and elegance for centuries. It has also famously been the designer duo’s preferred material, and through decades of dedicated work, Guillerme et Chambron have mastered to bring out Oak's rich and robust character to the forefront. This is quite evident in these chairs, making them not only functional pieces, but also visually striking works. The wooden slatted seats not only add comfort but also maintain a harmonious connection with the overall design, while the openwork backs provide subtle decoration to the design. The intricate pattern, meticulously carved into the oak, serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose, allowing light and air to pass through, creating a sense of openness and lightness in the design. The trapezoidal legs of these chairs are yet another testament to the duo's design ingenuity. They provide stability while also adding a unique flair to the overall composition. The chairs' form, with its clean lines and geometric elements, reflects the duo's dedication to modernism, which, in their case is always deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship and joinery techniques.
Guillerme and Chambron's legacy extends far beyond the creation of individual pieces. Their work epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic, characterized by the fusion of function and form. The French designers were instrumental in shaping the French design landscape during the mid-century era. Their emphasis on quality craftsmanship and the use of noble materials like oak has left a lasting imprint on the world of furniture design.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. The oak has aged beautifully and has a nice patina.
Dimensions:
17.91 in W x 19.88 in D x 33.46 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
45.5 cm W x 50.5 cm D x 85 cm H; Seat height 43 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’ son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the École Boulle, having taken the reins in 1983. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron established Votre Maison in 1949 together with cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, and developed a distinctive body of French furniture during the post-war decades. Their work is particularly associated with solid oak, sculptural woodworking and upholstered seating, with the wooden structure often remaining clearly visible as an important part of the design. This pair of armchairs from the 1960s brings these characteristics together through expressive oak frames and generously upholstered seats and backs.
The chairs are built from solid oak frames with a particularly distinctive construction at the back. A series of vertical wooden spindles follows the curved outline of each backrest, creating an open framework that remains fully visible from behind. The spindles vary in their angle and position, giving the rear of the chairs a strong architectural rhythm while supporting the wide upholstered back cushions. These cushions curve along the backs and are finished with button tufting, adding depth to the textured striped fabric. Broad seat cushions sit above the upholstered lower sections, creating a comfortable body within the exposed wooden structure. The armrests have a gently shaped profile and extend forward to meet thick upright supports, which continue downward into curved front legs. Their rounded surfaces highlight the natural grain and warm tone of the oak. At the rear, the lower ends of the frame curve outward into small feet, adding another carved detail to the silhouette. The muted red, beige and cream tones of the upholstery complement the oak while allowing the elaborate woodworking to remain in focus.
The pair shows why Guillerme et Chambron’s seating is so recognisable within French design of the period. Their furniture gave traditional cabinetmaking a highly individual character through carved oak, unusual structural solutions and an emphasis on comfort. These armchairs are particularly effective as a pair as their open spindle backs make them interesting from every direction.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The cushions have recently been reupholstered in in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.31 in W x 29.92 in D x 33.46 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 21.25 in
77 cm W x 76 cm D x 85 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 54 cm