167 - MARC HELD (France, 1942).

MARC HELD (France, 1942). Dining table and six chairs for IBM. Bessière, France, 1983. Molded laminated wood, beech, lacquered metal, and white laminated tabletop. Original chair suspension system beneath the tabletop. Designed for the IBM headquarters in Montpellier. In very good overall condition. May exhibit signs of wear consistent with its age and use. Table measurements: 73 × 208 × 78 cm. Chair measurements: 75 × 50 × 45 cm. This piece is documented in international commercial literature as “Dining Table and 6 Chairs for IBM, Bessière, 1983,” and is considered one of Marc Held’s rarest and most representative works. A limited production run of just 60 tables and 300 chairs, crafted by the Bessière cabinetmaking workshop for IBM’s headquarters in Montpellier, France, in 1983. Before devoting himself entirely to interior design in the 1970s, designer Marc Held had worked for several major fashion houses, including Dior and Balenciaga. In 1965, he launched his own fashion brand, “MR Marc,” which was sold in international luxury boutiques. Throughout his distinguished career, he has designed major projects for the Maison de la Culture in Grenoble (France), New York City Hall, and the Mercedes-Benz Exhibition Hall in Stuttgart (Germany). He has also received numerous awards for his work, including the American Institute of Architects Award and the Prix de la Ville de Paris.