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The Chandigarh easy armchairs by Pierre Jeanneret, specifically the Model PJ-SI-29-A, are emblematic of the mid-century modern design movement that swept through the architectural and furniture design world in the 20th century. These chairs are not just furniture; they are pieces of history, embodying the innovative spirit of their creators and the visionary urban planning of Chandigarh, India.
Chandigarh, a city in northern India, was conceived as a symbol of India’s post-independence future—a city that broke away from the colonial past and embraced modernity. In the 1950s, the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier was commissioned to design the city, making it an architectural marvel and a testament to modernist urban planning. Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier’s cousin and a distinguished architect and furniture designer in his own right, played a crucial role in this project. Jeanneret was deeply involved in the architectural planning, design, and furniture of Chandigarh, bringing a humanistic approach to the modernist aesthetics.
Pierre Jeanneret’s contribution to Chandigarh was profound. While Le Corbusier laid down the broad architectural principles, Jeanneret was more intimately involved with the city’s day-to-day developments, including the design of public buildings, housing, and of course, furniture. The Chandigarh easy armchairs are a testament to Jeanneret’s dedication to functionality, comfort, and aesthetic simplicity.
The Model PJ-SI-29-A easy armchairs are iconic for their V-shaped legs, a structural and visual feature that imparts stability and elegance. Made primarily from teak—a durable and beautiful hardwood available in India—these chairs were designed for the administrative buildings and educational institutions of Chandigarh. Their design is minimalist, focusing on the essentials of form and function, yet they exude a warmth and accessibility often absent in stark modernist pieces.
In recent years, the furniture designed by Jeanneret for Chandigarh has seen a resurgence in popularity, becoming highly sought after by collectors and design aficionados. This demand, however, has led to a market flooded with replicas and fakes, making the authenticity of pieces a significant concern. In light of this, the decision not to restore the set of three classic mid-century Chandigarh easy armchairs, keeping them in their original, as-found condition, is a statement of authenticity and respect for their historical significance.
The untouched nature of these chairs offers a direct link to the past, allowing owners and viewers to connect with the original context of their creation. It speaks to the authenticity of the pieces, underscoring their value not just as functional objects but as artifacts of a pivotal moment in architectural and design history.
The legacy of Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier in Chandigarh is not merely architectural but also deeply embedded in the design of everyday objects. The Chandigarh easy armchairs by Jeanneret stand as a tribute to this legacy, symbolizing a fusion of aesthetic beauty, functional design, and historical significance. In preserving these chairs in their original condition, collectors and enthusiasts preserve a piece of modern history, celebrating the visionary work of Pierre Jeanneret and the transformative urban project of Chandigarh.
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Stock Number: 6992
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