Charlotte Perriand

CHARLOTTE PERRIAND (France, 1903–1999).
Pair of “Les Arcs” chairs.
Chrome-plated tubular metal frame and red leather upholstery.
Measurements: 82 x 54 x 48 cm (x2); 44 cm (seat height, x2).
Charlotte Perriand used this model for the interior design of the famous Les Arcs ski resort in Savoie, France, in the 1960s. The chairs feature a minimalist design, with a structure reduced to its essence—functional yet elegant thanks to its harmonious combination of straight lines and gentle curves. The upholstery is attached to the frame with strips of faux leather, as is the rest of the seat, and is adorned with metallic studs.
Charlotte Perriand worked at Le Corbusier’s studio as the head of furniture and interiors. She was a French artist, architect, and designer of great international renown, a pioneer of modern interior architecture. Inspired by Japanese minimalism, she developed the concept of storage furniture and, alongside Jean Prouvé, championed the democratization of interior design with key pieces of the 20th century. She made her name at just 24 years old with her “Bar sous le Toit,” made of chrome-plated steel and anodized aluminum, which was presented at the 1927 Salon d’Automne. Shortly thereafter, she began her more than ten-year collaboration with Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier. In 1927, he established his first independent studio. He developed the concept of domestic storage and multifunctional furniture, furnishing interiors to suit an emerging lifestyle and standardizing decor, thereby eschewing all extravagance. He collaborated with Le Corbusier on numerous architectural projects, designing the interiors for various residences such as the La Roche-Jeanneret and Church villas in Ville-d’Avray, the Stein-de Monzie Villa, and the Villa Savoye, as well as the interiors of the Swiss Pavilion at Cité Universitaire and the Salvation Army Shelter, both in Paris. In addition, she worked with him on defining the “cellule minimum” (1929). Her collaboration with Le Corbusier resumed after the war, when they developed the first prototype of the built-in kitchen for the Marseille Housing Unit. She also collaborated with Fernand Léger. Her career spanned locations as diverse as Brazil, the Congo, England, France, Japan, French New Guinea, Switzerland, and Vietnam. The Design Museum in London dedicated an exhibition to the designer, showcasing her career.