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Pierre Chapo - gallery for biography
Pierre Chapo
Pierre Chapo was born in Paris on 23 July in 1927. After his family moved to Cher, Pierre Chapo tried his hand at painting, and was interested in becoming a professional painter. However, after meeting a shipbuilder who introduced him to wood and wood crafts, Chapo changed his focus and decided to study architecture at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He studied at the faculty of architecture with Henri Larrieu and Louis Aublet.
His studies were interspersed with trips to the Scandinavian countries, military service in Germany, as well as a one-year trip to Central America and an internship in an architectural firm in Arizona. Among the many places the couple visited was the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West. This visit had a lasting influence on Chapo’s future works and designs.
After returning home at the end of the 1950s, Chapo began creating his own designs and started marketing them with the assistance of his wife. It didn’t take long before his designs attracted a devoted clientele. Interestingly, one of his first clients was Samuel Beckett for whom he created the ‘’Godot bed’’ named after Beckett’s famous play. Initially, Chapo sold his work through the ‘’Galerie Chapo’’, a high-end shop that he and Nicole founded in 1958 on Boulevard de l'Hôpital in Paris, where, along with his own creations he displayed the work of other craftsmen and artists like Isamu Noguchi. Chapo shared Noguchi’s organic approach to arts and crafts and both designers resisted the stark industrial look that was dominant in the post-war period under the influence of socialism. Chapo wanted more than sheer 'utility' and believed that furniture design should be something that was aesthetically pleasing. He championed designs that were individual, timeless and had a universal quality. He was a big advocate of the importance of the golden ratio. Chapo continued to work with wood, mainly oak, ash and solid elm, which he articulated with his double interest in contemporary design and in traditional craftsmanship.
In 1960, Chapo was awarded the gold medal of the city of Paris at the Exhibition of Arts and Crafts. Most of his work at that time was produced at a workshop in Clamart. However, by the late 1960s Chapo wanted a new challenge, and he departed from his successful designs. Influenced by the work of Charlotte Perriand, whom he admired a lot, he began to rethink his whole approach to furniture. In 1968, Chapo left Paris with his family and moved to Gordes, near Avignon. Inspired by the landscape, his designs became even more anchored in tradition, more rugged and bold. In Gordes, he opened his own furniture business, the "Chapo Gordes SA”, which is still in business today and is overseen by his son, Fidel.
During his 30-year career, Chapo never lost his commitment to the traditional crafts of cabinetmaking and joinery, and believed that they were essential for great furniture. His work can be seen as a fusion of modern design and traditional craftsmanship. His lifelong love of wood and its qualities is evident in all of his works. ~H.
Available literature:
Pierre Chapo, A modern craftsman, Magen H. Gallery, New York 2017.
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Available Works by Pierre Chapo in New Arrivals
Available Works by Pierre Chapo in Dining Chairs
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Pierre Chapo, the celebrated French designer, is renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach to woodworking. Trained as an architect in Paris, Chapo was deeply influenced by the principles of proportion, form, and the natural beauty of materials, philosophy that underpinned all of his furniture designs. His work often features bold, architectural lines and a reverence for traditional joinery, seamlessly blending structural integrity with visual elegance.
This S24 dining chair, created in 1967, captures Chapo’s distinctive aesthetic in every detail. It is constructed from solid elm, a material favoured by Chapo for its warm, organic character and robust durability. The chair features a simple, honest construction that highlights the natural grain and rich tone of the elm, celebrating the wood's inherent beauty. The design is defined by straight, geometric lines, which give the chair a sense of structural clarity and understated elegance. The tan leather seat, secured by being tied on the bottom, develops a rich patina over time, enhancing the chair’s charm and complementing the deep hues of the elm. This use of visible hardware underscores Chapo’s philosophy of honest construction, where even the functional details contribute to the visual appeal. The chair’s sturdy frame and inviting materials embody the rustic modernism that is central to Chapo’s style.
This chair would be a striking addition to any dining space, seamlessly blending robust construction with a refined simplicity that speaks to Chapo’s architectural roots. Its timeless design ensures it will elevate any setting, offering not only comfort but also a quiet sophistication that endures across generations.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The leather has a beautiful patina with some marks.
Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 19.29 in D x 29.33 in H; Seat height 17.51 in
40.5 cm W x 49 cm D x 74.5 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm
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Price category: 40,000 - 50,000 usd / eur
Dining room chair “S34” has the playful and majestic characteristics typical of Pierre Chapo's emblematic creations. Asymmetrical, yet perfectly balanced, this model belongs with the designer’s famous “Sfax” table.
This model is one of those designs where the aesthetic is elevated, and the individual features enhanced when the same models are put together. Said aesthetic is based on the cross-legged base that corresponds to the design of the backrest, which is slightly offset from the middle. Made from Chapo's favourite wood, elm, these chairs have a rustic style with architectural precision. This comes as no surprise, as Pierre Chapo trained as an architect in Paris and this knowledge becomes evident in his elaborate structural solutions. The slightly more rounded edges show that these chairs are an older, authentic version of the “S34” model. The cross-legged bases match the backs that are slightly placed out of the middle, enhancing the masterful asymmetry that not only distinguishes the design, but also adds a sense of playfulness. The overall look is very sleek, and combined with details like the visible joinery and the solid wooden structure, this set is perfectly imperfect, which is a conscious, Chapo-esque ideal.
Chapo's work originated by means of special commissions that would later be adapted to universal needs. Chapo was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's balanced lines, Corbusier's research on proportions and the Bauhaus. The three principles that motivated Pierre Chapo were material, form, and function. Despite his love for the imperfect, he measured his furniture by means of the golden ratio and used elm wood as his preferred material. These “S34” chairs are beautiful examples of his ideals in a material form.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
15.74 in W x 21.25 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat height 16.73 in
40 cm W x 54 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm
About the designer:
Pierre Chapo, born in Paris in July 1927, was initially interested in becoming a professional painter. However, after a chance meeting with a shipbuilder who introduced him to wood and wood crafts, Chapo changed his focus and decided to study architectural studies at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
After graduation, Chapo and his wife, the sculptor, and painter Nicole Lormier, started to travel extensively through Scandinavia and Central America. Among the many places the couple visited was the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West. A visit that had a lasting influence on Chapo’s future work and designs. Read more about Pierre Chapo. ~H.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
French designer and woodworker Pierre Chapo was an iconic cabinetmaker, who created timeless furniture that fused modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Pierre Chapo always paired his creative and elegant designs with impeccable craftsmanship that gained him worldwide fame and love. Thus, he attracted a loyal clientele including people like the playwright Samuel Beckett.
These beautiful “S45” or "Chlacc" chairs are made from solid elm, Pierre Chapo’s preferred material for his sculptural furniture pieces, and are not to be confused with his model “S42” chairs which have slighly different legs. “Chlacc” (Construction Homogène Lamélle Assemblée Collée Cloué, or Homegenous Laminated Assembled Glued Nailed Construction) is the patented manufacturing process of this design. The “S45” chair model is technically and conceptually difficult to make. The sitter’s weight rests mainly on the crossed feet and the sturdiness of the back is ensured by being secured to the two back legs. Each chair consists of several elements arranged and joined in this characteristically creative way, which allows them to also be viewed as sculptures. With their distinctive form, this set epitomizes Chapo's search for new systems of joinery, in which the material and the design would be the lead factors in achieving stability, durability, and of course, an aesthetically pleasing outcome. While much could be written about Chapo and these stunning chairs, in this case words don’t do justice in relaying their visual and technical quality. The use of the sizeable pieces of elm wood with a beautiful grain, the unique angles, and most importantly, Chapo’s genius make these chairs unmistakable and invaluable.
Chapo's work originated by means of special commissions that would later be adapted to universal needs. Chapo was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's balanced lines, Corbusier's research on proportions and the Bauhaus movement. The three principles that motivated Pierre Chapo were material, form, and function. These chairs are beautiful examples of his ideals in a tangible form.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
16.92 in W x 22.04 in D x 41.33 in H; Seat height 17.91 in; Seat depth 15.35 in
43 cm W x 56 cm D x 105 cm H; Seat height 45.5 cm; Seat depth 39 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Pierre Chapo, the celebrated French designer, was renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach to woodworking. Trained as an architect in Paris, Chapo was deeply influenced by the principles of proportion, form, and the natural beauty of materials. His work often features bold, architectural lines and a reverence for traditional joinery, seamlessly blending structural integrity with visual elegance.
This set of six S24 dining chairs, created in 1967, captures Chapo’s distinctive aesthetic in every detail. They are constructed from solid elm, a material favoured by Chapo for its warm, organic character and robust durability. Each chair features a simple, honest construction that highlights the natural grain and rich tone of the elm, celebrating the wood's inherent beauty. The design is defined by straight, geometric lines, which give the chairs a sense of structural clarity and understated elegance. The tan leather seats, fastened by rope, develop a rich patina over time, enhancing the chairs’ charm and complementing the hues of the wood. This use of visible hardware underscores Chapo’s philosophy of honest construction, where even the functional details contribute to the visual appeal. Each chair’s sturdy frame and inviting materials embody the rustic modernism that is central to Chapo’s style.
These chairs would be a striking addition to any dining space, seamlessly blending robust construction with a refined simplicity that speaks to Chapo’s architectural roots. Their timeless design ensures they will elevate any setting, offering not only comfort but also a quiet sophistication that endures across generations.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The leather has a beautiful patina with some marks.
Dimensions:
14.96 in W x 18.89 in D x 30.11 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 14.37 in
38 cm W x 48 cm D x 76.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 36.5 cm
Available Works by Pierre Chapo in Tables and Storage
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Price category: 40,000 - 50,000 usd / eur
This peculiar “T22” table model is also referred to as the “Eye”. While the name needs no further explanation, the ingenious design certainly does. Pierre Chapo always paired his creative and elegant designs with impeccable craftsmanship that gained him worldwide fame and love.
The “T22” is formed by two arcs, each resting on three cylindrical leg and a central oval module attached to one of the arcs by a sliding system. Placed together, the design forms an “eye”. Not a lot of designs receive a nickname by which they are immediately recognised, but this table is one of those. With its distinctive structure, it epitomises Chapo's research for new systems of joinery, in which the material and the design would be the lead factors in achieving stability, durability, and of course, an aesthetically pleasing outcome. Here, the smaller middle module can be adjusted or removed freely, allowing the table’s modules to be arranged in a variety of ways, for example, it can also be arranged to form a long undulating console. The immense functionality is accompanied by Chapo’s precise joinery techniques and woodworking. Pierre Chapo worked largely in elm wood and has a couple of signature design elements like the visible spline joint and the cylindrical legs as seen here as well. The solid elm has a stunning grain and various patterns that especially stand out on the curvatures of the table.
Chapo’s organic approach to arts and crafts and both designers resisted the stark industrial look that was dominant in the post-war period under the influence of socialism. This coffee table is undoubtedly an emblematic model of post-war French decorative arts and design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks. The elm wood has a beautiful patina. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have some additional scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
69.48 in W x 51.18 in D x 12.99 in H
176.5 cm W x 130 cm D x 33 cm H
About the designer:
Pierre Chapo, born in Paris in July 1927, was initially interested in becoming a professional painter. However, after a chance meeting with a shipbuilder who introduced him to wood and wood crafts, Chapo changed his focus and decided to study architectural studies at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
After graduation, Chapo and his wife, the sculptor, and painter Nicole Lormier, started to travel extensively through Scandinavia and Central America. Among the many places the couple visited was the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West. A visit that had a lasting influence on Chapo’s future work and designs. Read more about Pierre Chapo. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This dining table is a compelling embodiment of Pierre Chapo’s distinctive style. He always paired his creative and elegant designs with impeccable craftsmanship that gained him worldwide fame and love. This model “T35A” is a rare and beautiful example of Chapo’s designs, a piece that truly stands the test of time, bringing lasting form and quality to any interior.
Crafted entirely from solid elm, this dining table demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and masterful joinery. Renowned for its striking grain patterns and long-lasting durability, elm is an ideal choice for larger pieces of furniture. This table’s vast flat surface, composed of carefully selected elm planks, beautifully highlights the wood's natural beauty, allowing the material to take center stage and speak for itself. The generous shape coupled with its warm honey tones, ensures that this table will be a focal point in any style of dining room or other large gathering area and is sure to be a conversation starter. The central quadripode base was designed with Chapo’s signature architectural legs, arranged in a dynamic way with the four pillars collapsing and balancing on each other at the same time, creating a striking visual rhythm.
Chapo’s designs reflect the architectural philosophies of Le Corbusier, as well as the commitment to the honest use of quality materials of Frank Lloyd Wright. His work is grounded in the simple harmony of form, function, and material, principles carried out in his works, enabling him to produce grand scale items, while preserving an underlying sense of warmth and simplicity. This dining table adds character to any interior with its uniquely structured leg composition, reflecting the influence of mid-century modernism.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
50.19 in W x 32.67 in D x 28.74 in H
127.5 cm W x 83 cm D x 73 cm H
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Pierre Chapo designed his modular “R” series with practicality in mind. The individual pieces were constructed of French Elm, and are classics in all possible ways. Chapo’s designs are the result of reflection and elaborate work on achievements that strive to combine material, form, and function by favouring wood.
Combining tradition and modernity, Chapo created his pieces with a great consideration for functionality. Therefore, this elm sideboard is characterized by its streamlined aesthetic and impressive storage volume. By combining two modules on three pairs of legs, the chiselled edges and clean look of the “R40” model is further enhanced. With two doors and three drawers on each side, the storage space is indeed plentiful, and well divided. Behind each door are two shelves that allow items of different heights to be placed inside. Similarly, the drawers are different sizes, showing the consideration of the model’s functionality. The handles have a minimalistic shape, complementing the overall look and letting the material stay in focus. The use of the large pieces of solid elm give this sideboard a very calm, natural feeling. The wood has beautiful grain and patterns that stand out on the large surfaces on all sides. The slender, wide legs are unusual in their shape, but balance the design perfectly both visually and physically.
After travelling through Scandinavia, Central America and working for a year in the United States, Chapo returned to Paris and pursued his interest in wood, crafting furniture with a double concern for contemporary design and the traditional know-how. The “R40” is a model that showcases his skills in design and craftsmanship spectacularly.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
98.81 in W x 22.44 in D x 29.72 in H
251 cm W x 57 cm D x 75.5 cm H
About the designer:
Pierre Chapo, born in Paris in July 1927, was initially interested in becoming a professional painter. However, after a chance meeting with a shipbuilder who introduced him to wood and wood crafts, Chapo changed his focus and decided to study architectural studies at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
After graduation, Chapo and his wife, the sculptor, and painter Nicole Lormier, started to travel extensively through Scandinavia and Central America. Among the many places the couple visited was the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West. A visit that had a lasting influence on Chapo’s future work and designs. Read more about Pierre Chapo. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eu
Dining room chair “S34” has the playful and majestic characteristics typical of Pierre Chapo's emblematic creations. Asymmetrical, yet perfectly balanced, this model belongs with the designer’s famous “Sfax” table.
The cross-legged base corresponds to the design of the backrest, which is slightly offset from the middle. Made from Chapo's favourite wood, elm, this chair has a rustic style with architectural precision, which comes as no surprise, as Pierre Chapo trained as an architect in Paris. The slightly more rounded edges show that this chair is an older, authentic version of the “S34” model. The cross-legged base matches the back that is slightly placed out of the middle, enhancing the masterful asymmetry that defines the design. The overall look is very sleek, and combined with details like the visible joinery and the solid wooden structure, this chair’s perfectly imperfect, which is a conscious, Chapo-esque ideal.
Chapo's work originated by means of special commissions that could later be adapted to universal needs. Chapo was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's balanced lines, Corbusier's research on proportions and Bauhaus. The three principles that motivated Pierre Chapo were material, form, and function. He measured his furniture by means of golden ratio and used elm wood as his preferred material. This chair is a beautiful example of his ideals in a material form.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
15.74 in W x 21.25 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat height 16.73 in
40 cm W x 54 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm
About the designer:
Pierre Chapo, born in Paris in July 1927, was initially interested in becoming a professional painter. However, after a chance meeting with a shipbuilder who introduced him to wood and wood crafts, Chapo changed his focus and decided to study architectural studies at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
After graduation, Chapo and his wife, the sculptor and painter Nicole Lormier, started to travel extensively through Scandinavia and Central America. Among the many places the couple visited was the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West. A visit that had a lasting influence on Chapo’s future work and designs. Read more about Pierre Chapo. ~H.