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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

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The duo of Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron and their company, Votre Maison denote a landmark of French mid-century design history. This brilliant corner sofa with faïence designed by world-renowned ceramist Boleslaw Danikowski, is a piece that represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo’s company became a reference point in 20th century French design.

The legendary French design duo, Guillerme and Chambron, placed equal emphasis on function and aesthetics, creating an aesthetic as staid as it was - and continues to be - arresting. From every angle, this sofa’s design has unique solutions that are unmistakeable both in form and in medium. As this sofa shows, the duo’s pieces also possess an unusual flare. In this case, the brightly coloured faïence corner table is the outstanding element of the design. The tiles are framed by the light oak and serve both an aesthetic and a functional role. The duo’s wood of choice, waxed oak, was often lightened to a lighter tone to showcase the sculptural details. Such a detail are the curving seats and the joinery, that show expert craftsmanship and creativity. The unusual seats resemble a slatted bench, while the armrests and legs are sculpted with the level of precision that is expected from Votre Maison. The tiled corner segment adds a lot of openness to the design, preventing it from looking heavy. The curving shape and thick, comfortable seat and back cushions provide plenty of comfort, therefore this settee is perfect for cosy lounging and conversing.

This corner sofa is one of the most stunning examples of the success of Guillerme et Chambron’s design experiments. The thinly glazed ceramic tiles of Danikowski, or faïences, are artistic, with interesting nonfigurative patterns in various hues of blue. The vivid colours stand out greatly against the light upholstery and oak body that has aged beautifully and displays a stunning grain within the wood.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. The settee has 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:

Each segment

76.77 in W x 33.26 in D x 37.2 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Arm height 23.62 in

195 cm W x 84.5 cm D x 94.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Arm height 60 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.