ÉTIENNE-HENRI MARTIN — Pair of “Série 1500” Lounge Chairs, TFM, circa 1970

Étienne-Henri Martin (1904–1998)

Two “1500 Series” corner chairs
Mobilier National ARC — Research and Creation Workshop
TFM edition, France, circa 1964
Tubular structure, foam, fabric of your choice included in the price (model and color)
H. 76 (seat 34) x W. 74 x D. 82 cm
6 available

Reference:

Mobilier National ARC — Research and Creation Workshop
Mobilier National ARC — Research and Creation Workshop
Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Museum Collection, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, 2007

Literature:

Créé, 1972
Mobilier National ARC — 20 Years of Creation, 1984
Mobilier National ARC — 40 Years of Creation, 2004

History:

Designed around 1970 by French designer Étienne-Henri Martin, the “Série 1500” lounge chair is an emblematic piece of post-war French design. Its form is said to have been inspired by a folded metro ticket: a succession of broad curves shapes the seat before rising to form the backrest.

Concealed beneath a generous layer of foam, its internal tubular-metal frame gives the chair flexibility, support and comfort. The absence of visible legs enhances the impression of a suspended seat and gives the lounge chair its instantly recognizable sculptural silhouette.

This lounge chair belongs to the “Programme 1500”, a modular ensemble comprising straight lounge chairs, corner units, ottomans and a coffee table. Developed with the support of the Mobilier National’s Research and Creation Workshop, the model was produced by TFM — Thévenin, Fert et Mayet — until 1976, and later by Mangau-Atal.

An example of the “Série 1500” lounge chair is held in the Mobilier National collections, attesting to Étienne-Henri Martin’s distinctive place in the history of twentieth-century French furniture.