Set of eight chairs modelled on the "Les Arcs" chair by CHARLOTTE PERRIAND (France, 1903 - 1999), 1970s.
Chromed tubular steel frame. Cognac-coloured leather upholstery.
These 1970s models are rarely offered at auction.
They show wear, marks and patinas related to use and the passing of time.
Measurements: 82/43 cm (height).
Charlotte Perriand used this model for the interior decoration of the famous ski resort Les Arcs in Savoie, France, in the 1960s. It has a minimalist design, with a structure reduced to its essence, functional yet elegant in its harmonious combination of straight lines and soft curves. The upholstery is joined to the frame by bands of cognac-coloured artificial leather, like the rest of the seat, and is decorated with metallic studs.
Charlotte Perriand worked in Le Corbusier's studio as head of furniture and interiors. She was an internationally renowned French artist, architect and designer who was a driving force behind modern interior architecture. Inspired by Japanese minimalism, she developed the concept of storage furniture and, together with Jean Prouvé, practised the democratisation of interior design with key pieces of the 20th century. He made his name at the age of 24 with his "Bar sous le Toit" in chromed steel and anodised aluminium, which was presented at the 1927 Salon d'Automne. Shortly afterwards, he began a career spanning more than ten years alongside Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier. In 1927 he set up his first studio of his own. He developed the concept of domestic storage and multifunctional furniture, equipping interiors for an emerging way of life and standardising decoration, thus avoiding any extravagance. He collaborated with Le Corbusier on numerous architectural projects, designing the fittings for various dwellings such as the villas La Roche-Jeanneret, Church en Ville-d'Avray, Stein-de Monzie and the Villa Savoye, as well as the interiors of the Swiss Pavilion in the Cité Universitaire and the Cité Refuge de l'Armée du Salut, both in Paris. He also worked with him on the definition of the cellule minimum (1929). His relationship with Le Corbusier resumed after the war, developing the first prototype of the integrated kitchen for the Unité d'Habitation in Marseilles. He also collaborated with Fernand Léger. His career spanned places as diverse as Brazil, Congo, England, France, Japan, French New Guinea, Switzerland, and Vietnam. The Design Museum in London dedicated an exhibition to the designer that showcased her career.