Pierre Chareau

Grand Hôtel, Tours, France
DeLorenzo, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2000

"Le Mobilier au Salon d'Automne," Mobilier et Décoration, April-May 1924, p. 27
Yves Rambosson, "Le Salon des Décorateurs," L'Amour de l'Art, June 1924, p. 193
Gaston Varenne, "Un ensemble de Chareau," L'Amour de l'Art, February 1928, pp. 60 and 62
E. Tisserand, "Une oeuvre nouvelle de Pierre Chareau ensemblier," L'Art et les Artistes, January 1928, pp. 131-132
Yves Rambosson, "Un Grand Hôtel à Tours," Art et Décoration, January-June 1928, p. 35
René Chavance, "Quelques exemples d'installations modernes, rue Mallet-Stevens," Mobilier et Décoration, April 1928, pp. 161-162
Marc Vellay and Kenneth Frampton, Pierre Chareau: Architecte-Meublier 1883-1950, Paris, 1984, pp. 70, 72-73, 99, 194 and 298

Overall in very good condition. The wood surfaces have been sensitively applied later finish and display rich figuring with a wonderful saturated hues. The wood surfaces present with a few minor surface scratches and minor edge abrasions consistent with age and gentle use. The metal feet with minor surface scratches and a few minute dents, consistent with age and gentle use. The armchairs have been reupholstered and the upholstery is in very good condition with very light surface dirt. The lower back edge of one of the chairs with a minor pull in the upholstery, only visible on close inspection. Two superbly elegant forms with great sculptural presence. ---
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Pierre Chareau considered himself as both an architect and a designer. His furniture reflects the pursuit of a new modernist aesthetic through the analysis of form and purpose. In 1928, Chareau was commissioned by his friend Paul Bernheim to conceive the interior of the Grand Hôtel de Tours, which allowed him to apply his unique artistic vocabulary to an entire interior, and to achieve overall harmony and visual rhythm through objects with an implicit sense of mobility. The deeply sculptural form of the present lot is a realisation of Chareau’s unique modern vision.