CHAISE SANDOWS ARMCHAIR 1928

Frame in chrome plated tubular steel. Seat and back in black elastic cords. MADE IN ITALY

In 1927 René Herbst designed the revolutionary and functional “Chaise Sandows” seat furniture. The frames were nickel-plated tubular steel, the seat and back was made of rubber strips stretched taut and fastened to the frame by hooks at the end. René Herbst was a pioneer in the adaptation of simple industrial materials for furniture design. One of his favorite themes (chaise sandows) was the chair with seat and back formed by stretched elastic bands of the type used to fasten packages to a bicycle. This was one of the many versions. This chair, along with a matching high stool, was presented at the Salon d’ Automne, 1929. In all probability, it was first produced by Etablissements René Herbst.

René Herbst

He was born in Paris where he completed his studies; in 1908 he begins to collaborate with various architectural studios – first in Paris and then in London and Frankfurt. In 1921 he makes his debut at the “Salon d’Automne” where he presents “a restful corner” at the Musée de Crillon. Afterwards, in addition to exhibiting his innovative furniture made of metal tubing at the various “Salons”, he realizes numerous architectural projects: cinema, the decoration of shops, restaurants, offices and galleries. Already in 1919 Herbst proceeds along the road of modern design occupynig himself with metal furniture, window displays and indoor lighting. As far as his designs for metal furniture are concerned, in 1926 we can recognize his complete maturation in the rigorous and functional design of his nickle plated metal models.