Armchair and ottoman model “Mushroom”
Manufactured by Artifort
Netherlands, 1960s
Steel, upholstery
Measurements
86,4 x 81,3 x 63,5h cm
34 x 32 x 25h in
Provenance
Private collection, France
Biography
Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) was a visionary French designer celebrated for his innovative and avant-garde furniture creations that reshaped the world of contemporary design. Born in Paris, Paulin initially studied stone carving and ceramics, but an arm injury led him to explore design, where he found his true calling. He attended the École Camondo in Paris, a design and interior architecture school, where he honed his skills and developed his distinctive style.
In the 1950s, Paulin began working for the famed furniture manufacturer Thonet, where his early work reflected the clean lines and functionalism of Scandinavian design. However, it was his collaboration with the Dutch company Artifort in the 1960s that truly launched his career. During this period, Paulin created some of his most iconic pieces, including the Orange Slice Chair (1960), Mushroom Chair (1963), and Tongue Chair (1968). These designs, characterized by their organic shapes, vibrant colors, and use of innovative materials like stretch fabric and foam, became emblematic of the 1960s and 1970s design aesthetic.
Paulin's work was not limited to furniture design. He also took on prestigious interior design projects, including designing rooms for the Élysée Palace during the presidency of Georges Pompidou and François Mitterrand. His ability to blend form and function with artistic expression made him a favorite among design enthusiasts and the political elite alike.
Throughout his career, Pierre Paulin pushed the boundaries of design, creating furniture that was not only functional but sculptural and playful. His work has been exhibited in museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Today, Paulin's pieces remain timeless icons of modern design, continuing to inspire contemporary designers and collectors.
