Pierre Paulin, Tongue F577 armchair for Artifort

PIERRE PAULIN (France, 1927 - 2009) for Artifort.
Armchair "Tongue F577", design 1967.
Tubular frame covered with foam rubber and elastic fabric.
In very good condition and retains the brand label on the bottom (see photo).
Measurements: 64 x 73 x 72 cm.

The F577 "Tongue Chair", designed by Pierre Paulin in 1967 for the Dutch firm Artifort, is one of the most iconic pieces of pop and futuristic design of the sixties thanks to its organic, low and sinuous shape, reminiscent of an unfolded tongue. It is constructed with a metal tubular structure covered with foam and elastic fabric, which allows it to have a continuous and sculptural silhouette without traditional visible elements such as legs or arms, also offering a relaxed and informal posture. Its importance lies in the fact that it revolutionized the way modern furniture was conceived by combining new technologies and industrial materials with ergonomics and artistic expression, moving away from the rigid rationalism of classical modernism and towards a more sensual, experimental aesthetic that was closer to the youth culture of the late 1960s. The Tongue Chair became a symbol of international pop design, is part of the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York and consolidated Pierre Paulin as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.

Published by Artifort, a key firm in modern design, this armchair stands out both for its visual presence and its historical relevance.

Pierre Paulin, an essential figure in post-war French design, spent much of his career with Artifort, where he experimented with new materials and organic forms. Author of iconic models such as the Mushroom or the Tongue Chair, he also collaborated with institutions such as the Mobilier National, participating in projects for the Elysée and the Louvre. His work is now part of collections such as the MoMA in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.