Pierre Jeanneret

PIERRE JEANNERET (Geneva, 1896-1967).
Armless Easy, Model No. PJ-SI-35-A, Chanigarh, ca.1955.
Frame of solid Indian teak. Cane seat and back.
With original numbering stenciled on the back.
Measurements: 71 x 49 x 59 cm.

This armchair, made of solid wood, expresses an essential language of geometric patterns. The cognac-colored Indian teak surface (treated with shellac) provides a smooth luster finish. The wedge-shaped legs were a hallmark of the furniture ensemble that Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier made for the administrative offices in Chandigarh. They are sturdy and dynamic supports, comparable to some of Le Corbusier's architectural constructions. The rounded lines of the legs are balanced by the sharp-angled "L" of the backrest and cane seat.

Jeanneret, who collaborated with Le Corbusier on numerous projects, is considered the author of most of the furniture in the Chanigarh series, to which this armchair without arms belongs. The furniture was minimalist in style, in keeping with the modern movement championed by these authors, but made in India by local craftsmen. The project began in 1951, when Le Corbusier suggested celebrating India's independence and the nation's opening to modernity by designing a city, Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab. Chandigarh, in northern India, is a city built from nothing. Designed by Le Corbusier, it was born as an icon of freedom from the colonialism of the past. Pierre Jeanneret's experience in India lasted until the end of his days in 1967 and his close and continuous contact with the local territory led his furniture to incorporate essential forms with simple materials. Straight, pure and robust lines combine with clean, geometric and simple shapes in which form is allied to function and the handcrafted warmth of teak.

Born in Geneva in 1896, Pierre Jeanneret studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. In 1922, he began working in his new studio in rue de Sèvres, Paris, with his cousin, fellow designer Le Corbusier, with whom he shared research projects and design criteria thanks to a deep professional relationship. In October 1927, the two decided to incorporate into their project a young architect who had already begun to make a name for herself on the architectural scene of the time: Charlotte Perriand. The collaboration of the three personalities lasted until 1937 and was extremely fruitful, especially in the field of furniture design. It was a very significant cooperation, both in terms of the cultural interest of their achievements and in terms of professional success. It was together with Charlotte Perriand that they tackled the innovative project for "l'équipement de la maison", the result of which was of great intellectual value and considerable commercial success. In 1951, Le Corbusier suggested a new project to celebrate India's independence and the opening of the nation to modernity, which consisted of the design of a city, Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab. Chandigarh, in northern India, is a city built from nothing. Designed by Le Corbusier, it was born as an icon of freedom from the colonialism of the past. Pierre Jeanneret is considered - despite the absence of documentation to prove it - the author of most of Chandigarh's furniture. The result is universally known designs, made with respect for the techniques used in the original products, manufactured in India by local craftsmen. Pierre Jeanneret's experience in India lasted until the end of his days in 1967 and his close and continuous contact with the local territory led his furniture to incorporate essential forms with simple materials. Today, Jeanneret's work can be found in museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Vitra Designs Museum, the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, the Museum for Gestaktung Zurich, the Museums of India and the Perre Jeanneret Museum.