Guillerme et Chambron Oak Settee with Connecting Table for Votre Maison, France 1950s
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Settee with Connecting Table for Votre Maison, France 1950s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This rare oak settee is a delightful piece even if measured against the other seating models in the repertoire of the French designer duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This model truly deserves adjectives such as unique or even iconic, both in terms of quality and design. It visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo’s company significantly influenced French design history.
From every angle, this settee’s design has unique solutions that are unmistakable. Starting with the duo’s trademark oak frame to the sculptural legs and backrests, while also featuring details that are one-of-a-kind. Such a detail is the curving seat and its joinery, that shows expert craftsmanship and creativity. The curve also serves as a table, adding much functionality and practicality to the sculptural look. The unusual seat resembles a slatted bench, while the two, individual backrests break the flat surfaces and emerge like thrones. The spindles enhance this appearance, especially with the longer, middle spindles that also serve as back legs. The armrests and legs are sculpted with precision to serve a double purpose: an aesthetic role, and a functional one. The 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.
Guillerme et Chambron’s work at Votre Maison not only represents the fusion of function and form, but also exemplifies the mid-century modern aesthetic - which they played a pivotal role in shaping. Their emphasis on quality craftsmanship and the use of noble materials like oak has undeniably left a lasting imprint in the world of furniture design, solidifying their legacy in the French design landscape during the mid-century era. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. As this brilliant settee shows, well-crafted structures, polished wood and thick cushions created the now world-famous reputation of their seating designs.
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 fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
79.92 in W x 42.51 in D x 36.61 in H; Seat height 14.96 in; Arm height 23.42 in
203 cm W x 108 cm D x 93 cm H; Seat height 38 cm; Arm height 59.5 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.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron established Votre Maison in 1949 together with cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, and developed a distinctive body of French furniture during the post-war decades. Their work is particularly associated with solid oak, sculptural woodworking and upholstered seating, with the wooden structure often remaining clearly visible as an important part of the design. This pair of armchairs from the 1960s brings these characteristics together through expressive oak frames and generously upholstered seats and backs.
The chairs are built from solid oak frames with a particularly distinctive construction at the back. A series of vertical wooden spindles follows the curved outline of each backrest, creating an open framework that remains fully visible from behind. The spindles vary in their angle and position, giving the rear of the chairs a strong architectural rhythm while supporting the wide upholstered back cushions. These cushions curve along the backs and are finished with button tufting, adding depth to the textured striped fabric. Broad seat cushions sit above the upholstered lower sections, creating a comfortable body within the exposed wooden structure. The armrests have a gently shaped profile and extend forward to meet thick upright supports, which continue downward into curved front legs. Their rounded surfaces highlight the natural grain and warm tone of the oak. At the rear, the lower ends of the frame curve outward into small feet, adding another carved detail to the silhouette. The muted red, beige and cream tones of the upholstery complement the oak while allowing the elaborate woodworking to remain in focus.
The pair shows why Guillerme et Chambron’s seating is so recognisable within French design of the period. Their furniture gave traditional cabinetmaking a highly individual character through carved oak, unusual structural solutions and an emphasis on comfort. These armchairs are particularly effective as a pair as their open spindle backs make them interesting from every direction.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The cushions have recently been reupholstered in in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.31 in W x 29.92 in D x 33.46 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 21.25 in
77 cm W x 76 cm D x 85 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 54 cm