Michel Cadestin

MICHEL CADESTIN (France, 1942)
Beauborg" chair on casters, 1970s.
Steel frame, with seat and back in stretched leather.
Central swivel base.
Exhibits rust stains and use marks on the leather.
Measurements: 79 x 63 x 52 cm.

The Beaubourg model was initially conceived in the context of the Centre Georges Pompidou project in Paris, developed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, and was materialized by Michel Cadestin and Georges Laurent as part of the furniture for the center's public spaces, especially the library. The first versions had a fixed base, intended for institutional use.

This particular model, by including casters and a swivel system, is an office variant of the original chair (which used to have four fixed legs or sled base), making it a highly sought-after piece by collectors of signature office furniture.

The choice of steel rod was not only aesthetic, but functional: it allows the chair to be visually light, durable and easy to maintain in high-traffic public spaces. The curvature of the backrest and the slight angle of the seat are designed to adapt to the shape of the human body.

A prolific designer, Michel Cadestin has experimented with shapes and materials throughout his career. His designs are as varied as the furniture for the Centre Georges Pompidou in 1976, the Karaté armchair (1960s) and the work table created in 1978. Biography Michel Cadestin was born in France in 1942. In 1988, his work was awarded the René Gabriel Prize.