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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

The “Edouard” lounge chair is often described as a “caquetoire”, in other (non-French) words a conversation chair. This type of seating was an armchair style which emerged during the European Renaissance in France.

As the name suggests, this type of chair was meant for sitting for elongated periods to chat. Generally, these chairs were also highly regarded for their aesthetic value as well, which can also be said about this exceptional chair model. The Edouard is a sculptural model with a blonde oak frame that is characteristic of the French designer duo. The design showcases the wide variety of shapes and forms of the solid oak frame, from the hand-sculpted, organic curving lines to the straighter spindles consisting the backrest. Naturally, a conversation chair needs to be first and foremost functional and comfortable, therefore the back is slightly tilted, and the seat raised, aided by the generous seat and back cushions. The light coloured upholstery beautifully complements the wood and the small loops of the bouclé highlight the smoothness of the frame’s surfaces. The French caquetoire chairs were often made from walnut rather than oak allowing the frames to be more easily carved, however, Guillerme and Chambron still preferred this more difficult but also more appealing material. This fact further praises the level of craftsmanship that went into this model. Similarly to its historic predecessors, this lounge chair was also built with traditional “invisible” joinery techniques, therefore no nails are exposed.

From the carved armrests to the spindle back, the woodworking truly shows the overall quality of this chair. The attention to the smallest detail shows the design and manufacturing skills of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron.

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:

29.92 in W x 36.61 in D x 40.15 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Arm height 21.25 in

76 cm W x 93 cm D x 102 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Arm height 54 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.