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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

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Etienne-Henri Martin’s design work combined elements of classic and avant-garde French design. The French designer and decorator designed this model in the early 1950s, symbolizing French modernism of the 20th century.

The designer created some of the most distinctive pieces of French mid-century seating, yet model “SK 250” still stands out in the designer’s repertoire. The architectural precision with its arches and modernist look makes these armchairs memorable in French design history. A student at the famous Ecole Boulle, Martin had an exceptional sense for proportions; the diverse shapes, angles and solutions make these armchairs special. Their almost sculptural look is the result of the solid wood frame’s straight and curving lines, some places wider elsewhere thinner, bringing the chairs into a dynamic balance. The curves are most apparent on the armrests and seats, enhanced by the smooth surface and beautiful grain of the wood. The seats are larger than the seat cushions which makes for an interesting look that highlights the upholstered cushions. Like these, the backs are also upholstered in a light bouclé fabric that complements the scalloped tops. The frames flow effortlessly, the tapered back legs are the continuation of the back, while the front ones’ straight lines support the curved seats. The craftsmanship of Steiner is evident in all the details that help to manifest Martin’s design.

Etienne-Henri Martin is a highly acknowledged designer in and out of France, his pieces of furniture were acquired by the state and are held by the Musée National d'Art Moderne. During his diverse career he carried out numerous private and public installations in France and Belgium, collaborated in decorating ocean liners, the Council Chamber of the League of Nations.

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs 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:

28.34 in W x 31.1 in D x 29.52 in H; Seat height 13.77 in; Arm height 20.86 in

72 cm W x 79 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat height 35 cm; Arm height 53 cm

About the designer:

Etienne Henri-Martin was born in Paris on April 7, 1905. A student at the Ecole Boulle, he studied metal there. A collaborator of Edgar Brandt from 1923 to 1928, he exhibited, from that time and in this capacity, at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs.

In 1925, at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts, he was commissioned by the Director of the Ecole Boulle to decorate the reception room of the City of Paris: he won a Grand Prix. He worked successively at the Atelier Primavera at Printemps, at the Decoration Services of the Louvre, which he directed; Head of agency and collaborator of René Prou, he was finally Artistic and Technical Director at the Bon Marché department stores in Brussels where he remained until 1950.

He was the winner of the Blumenthal Prize, obtained at the Salons des Artistes décorateurs, in which he participated since 1931, and at the International Exhibition of 1937, Grands Prix, diplomas and medals from the Society for the Encouragement of Art and Industry.

From his return from Belgium, he resumed his participation in the Salons of Decorative Artists and Household Arts. He was a member of the Committee of the S.A.D. as the treasurer. Apart from numerous private facilities and public establishments in France and Belgium, he collaborated in the fitting out of ocean liners as well as in the decoration of the Council Chamber of the League of Nations with René Prou.