312 - PIERRE PAULIN (1927–2009)

PIERRE PAULIN (1927–2009) A set of two F598 armchairs, known as “Groovy,” circa 1975, with a tubular metal frame entirely padded with foam and upholstered in black wool fabric for one and ivory fabric for the other, forming a wide seat and backrest, with a double base and resting on two aluminum glides. H.: 65 cm. - W.: 85 cm. - D.: 75 cm. Artifort edition (Signs of wear, stains, discoloration, scuff marks) Bibliography: - Exhibition catalog, Pierre Paulin, designer, Grand-Hornu, Archibooks, 2008, similar model reproduced on p. 183. - Exhibition catalog, Paulin, published by the Centre Pompidou, 2016, similar model reproduced on p. 171. Expert: Romain COULET Member of the S.F.E.P. Description: Born in Paris in 1927, Pierre Paulin trained in ceramics in Vallauris and in stone carving in Burgundy, then at the École Camondo, before working in Marcel Gascoin’s studio. After an initial collaboration with Thonet beginning in 1954, he joined the Dutch furniture manufacturer Artifort in 1958–1959 at the invitation of its artistic director, Kho Liang Ie. There, he developed a new design language, featuring lightweight metal frames upholstered with foam and stretch fabrics, which gave rise to the Mushroom, Ribbon (1966), and Tongue (1968) models. The F598 model, known as “Groovy,” produced by Artifort in the early 1970s, continued this exploration of a low, enveloping, and sculptural seat. His career was also marked by major public commissions from the Mobilier National, such as the design of Georges Pompidou’s private apartments at the Élysée Palace in 1971 and François Mitterrand’s office in 1983. His work engages in a dialogue with that of Olivier Mourgue, Joe Colombo, and Verner Panton, and belongs to the same generation as that of Pierre Guariche, Joseph-André Motte, and Michel Mortier, while at Artifort he worked alongside Geoffrey Harcourt.