catalog text
PAIR OF "BRIDGE METTEUR EN SCENE" (1932) WIRE-BRUSHED OAK AND SADDLE-LEATHER ARM CHAIRS AFTER JEAN-MICHEL FRANK
Unmarked | Circa third quarter of the 20th century | brand new artisan-made saddle-leather | custom machined steel shoulder bolts
Item # 208HXG18A
An incredibly cool pair of arm chairs from the late 20th century after the original design for the "Bridge Metteur en Scene" fauteuil of 1932 by Jean-Michel Frank, the design continued to be retailed by Edition Ecart International into the late 20th century and an example of the design is retailed now by Holly Hunt. However, it is actually a very scarce form to find and just remarkably compelling in every way.
A distinctly austere and naturalistic design that emphasizes transparency and geometry, the wire-brushed white oak is a simply brilliant display of the best qualities of the wood. Whether by wire-brushing or by sand-blasting, as is noted in some records, the soft grain of the wood has been removed to open rough texture in the material that is then softened by the oiled finish.
The arms are tapered in reverse, starting at the front with the boldest diameter and slimming towards the stiles. The chair back of each rotates on stainless-steel bolts that we custom fabricated in-house; these were made cylindrical and slightly more bold than they would likely have been originally, which we later discovered are more domed, but we did so before having any historical reference points in an echo of the boldness of the arms and cylindrical profile of the structure throughout. Our leather artisan made all new leather coverings out of thick saddle leather with leather buckles on the underside that can be adjusted for tightness.
Of remarkably high quality throughout and a stunningly beautiful overall aesthetic, this is a very nice acquisition for 20th century design enthusiasts. Rather scarce, the gorgeous pair of chairs are fully reconditioned and ready for a long life of active enjoyment.
Measurements: 34" H x 23 7/8" D x 22 1/2" W x 18" H to seat
Condition Report:
Brand new saddle-leather of a very high quality completed by our leather artisan; custom stainless steel machined bolts in the shoulders fabricated in-house to allow for seamless rotation of the back; old stress crack at one back right seat corner; surfaces carefully reconditioned and in excellent condition; a very fine presentation, ready to place.