Danielle Quarante, Albatros Lounge Chairs, Fiberglass and Resin. France, C.1965

The Albatros lounge chair, edited by Airborne, was designed by French designer Danielle Quarante in the late 1960s and received the Henri Mercier Prize for Best Design at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs. Its form, both radical and harmonious, was created to unite aesthetics and ergonomics in a seamless whole. Quarante envisioned the Albatros as “a sculptural gesture,” with flowing, responsive curves made possible by the strength and elasticity of molded polyester resin. Its fluid lines, dynamic balance, and open structure evoke the lightness and movement of a bird in flight—hence its name.

Produced in limited numbers, each chair consists of two resin shells, lacquered with Gelcoat. This listing includes versions in white, sky blue, and orange. The interior retains a raw, textured surface—a result of the material constraints of the time—adding to its authenticity and charm. The Albatros stands out for its innovative use of molded fiberglass and resin, which allowed for its bold, ribbon-like shape. Each chair sits low to the ground and offers a surprisingly comfortable experience thanks to its enveloping silhouette and organic balance.

This set includes four original examples, each with its own unique patina. The orange version, in particular, has developed a stunning, leather-like terracotta finish. All are in excellent structural condition, with minor surface marks, small dings, and scratches consistent with age and use. A few historical repairs have been left untouched as a testament to the chairs’ lives and character.

Though easy to mold, the Albatros proved difficult to assemble and finish, limiting production to just 20–30 units per month, mostly in white, until it ceased in 1975. Its rarity and distinctive form have since made it a highly sought-after collector’s piece.

The Albatros forms part of the permanent collections at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Plasticarium in Brussels.

Price listed is for the full set. Chairs may also be purchased individually—please contact us for details.

All items offered for sale are in perfect functional condition. However, as they have already lived one or more lives, they may exhibit natural signs of use, slight discoloration, or a gentle patina. We carefully clean and, when necessary, restore each piece with respect for its original design.

If you are interested in an item but would like it fully refurbished or reupholstered, please contact us. We are happy to collaborate with our skilled partner craftsmen to ensure you receive the piece you want, exactly as you envision it.