Guillerme et Chambron Oak Stool for Votre Maison, France 1950s
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Stool for Votre Maison, France 1950s
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Form and function collide in this stool, a piece of furniture that is often underestimated. Designers define stools as jewels and statements in a space, and taking practicality into account, this rare model is perfect to add visual interest to any space.
The iconic French designer duo’s present stool is brilliant in its simplicity. This well-formed stool is dominated by its blonde oak construction that is immediately recognizable. It is the shape the seat forms with the sides that resembles the Japanese “torii” gate that has an unmistakable shape. The top reaches over the seat, forming small “wings”, that is quite unusual for stools in general. In a perfectly symmetrical arrangement, the legs are connected by two decorative stretchers running parallel. The seat rests on a carved bottom that has rounded design elements on its sides. Executed entirely in solid oak, the structure’s versatile lines really stand out. The concave seat breaks the rigour of the design and adds the mid-century flair. The craftsmanship of Guillerme and Chambron is evident in the joinery technique, as this stool has no visible tenon or mortise joints.
Being functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, this stool is a great addition to set the tone of a space. Votre Maison didn’t make its mark in the history of French design without a reason as this stool illustrates.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
19.7 in W x 12 in D x 17 in H
50 cm W x 30.5 cm D x 43 cm H
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