Galerie Patrick Seguin in Paris is set to unveil a remarkable joint exhibition that celebrates the furniture designs of Charlotte Perriand, brought to life in collaboration with Saint Laurent, under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello. Opening on October 24, this rare collection showcases four exceptional pieces originally conceived between 1943 and 1967, each a testament to Perriand's pioneering spirit in modernist design and her enduring influence.

The exhibition features meticulously recreated limited editions of pieces that were initially unique prototypes or one-off commissions. Among the standout works is the "Bibliothèque Rio de Janeiro," a rosewood and cane bookcase crafted in 1962 for Perriand’s husband, Jacques Martin. The original has remained largely private, having been publicly exhibited only three times in the last quarter-century, making this opportunity to experience the design all the more significant. The bookcase exemplifies Perriand’s innovative integration of Brazilian rosewood with woven cane sliding doors, designed not merely for storing books but for art display as well.

Another highlight is the monolithic 1967 sofa created for the residence of the Japanese ambassador in Paris. The sofa’s design is striking in its scale and form, featuring a seven-metre-long base that sweeps upward on both sides to give the impression of a floating structure. Adding a delicate contrast to its solid form is the use of caning on its flanks, which introduces a sense of lightness to an otherwise substantial piece.

The exhibition also resurrects the "Fauteuil Visiteur Indochine," an armchair originally designed in 1943 during Perriand’s time in Indochina. The chair is distinguished by a seat crowned with a traditional Thai cushion made of edge-to-edge sewn mats, beautifully merging modernist sensibilities with vernacular craftsmanship. This piece, previously existing only as a drawing, is now fully realised in chromed tubing, leather, and rosewood.

Adding to the collection is the "Table Mille-Feuilles" from around 1963, a round, sculptural table composed of ten superimposed layers of contrasting dark and light woods, carved into concentric circles. While a model existed previously, the complex full-scale table had not been produced until now, highlighting the technical mastery and innovative approach Perriand brought to furniture design.

Charlotte Perriand remains a seminal figure in 20th-century modernism, renowned not only for her designs but also for her work as an architect, urban planner, and photographer. Her groundbreaking contributions continue to resonate within the design world, with her pieces represented in major public and private collections globally.

This collaboration with Saint Laurent is notable not only for reviving these exceptional designs but also for the fidelity with which the brand has approached their recreation, staying true to Perriand’s original vision and craftsmanship. The curated collection at Galerie Patrick Seguin offers design enthusiasts and collectors a rare chance to engage intimately with the legacy of a visionary whose work has shaped modern design aesthetics worldwide.

Beyond this exhibition, Paris remains a focal point for design innovation, with Galerie Patrick Seguin frequently championing significant modernist works, reinforcing the city's status as a hub where history and contemporary creativity intersect.

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Source: Noah Wire Services