“Grand Repos” Oak Lounge Chair by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, France 1950s (sold)
“Grand Repos” Oak Lounge Chair by Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, France 1950s (sold)
This oaken “Grand Repos” lounge chair deserves its title of iconic, both in terms of quality and design. This model visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo, Guillerme et Chambron’s company significantly influenced French design history.
Guillerme and Chambron are known for their high-quality, solid oak furniture and the “Grand Repos” model is without a doubt their most distinctive seating design thanks to its spindle backrest and distinctive frame with plenty of curvature. With a solid wooden frame, the support for the back of the chair consists of six, symmetrically arranged wooden spindles extending upwards. The backrest is slightly tilted for comfort, aided by the generous seat and back cushions. The back cushion is adorned with tufted buttons that add depth to the textured bouclé upholstery. The standout feature of this model are the creative overarching spindles that create an almost throne-like, grandiose effect. The curvature of the arms follows the lines of the back, and gently curve outwards. “Grand Repos” stands for “great rest” in French, and with a well-though out, elegant design, this lounge chair is sure to provide exactly that. The elegant light colour of the upholstery of the seat and back cushions beautifully compliments the light oak frame. The back cushion is secured with loops that attach to the back spindles, ensuring that the cushion stays in position.
The woodworking truly shows the overall quality of this chair; the frame is refined and the attention to the smallest detail shows the design and manufacturing skills of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. Since each chair was created by hand, each one is even more unique.
SOLD
Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair’s cushions have 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:
31.1 in W x 38.58 in D x 41.14 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 21.85 in
79 cm W x 98 cm D x 104.5 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 55.5 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.