Galerie Marel
20th Century Decorative Arts & Furnitures
– 2020 –
Designed by G.KUCHNO

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Pierre Vandel, Vertebre lounge chair. France, C.1970

12500

Designer : Pierre Vandel

Manufacturer : Pierre Vandel Editions

Period : 1970

Style : Space Age

Condition : Very good

Dimensions : W 66 x H 92 x D 72 cm seat height : 46 cm.

Material : Brushed aluminum, leather

Category:

Description

Pierre Vandel, Vertebre lounge chair, Aluminum and Leather. France, C.1970

The Vertebre, or “Rib” lounge chair, was designed by French designer Pierre Vandel in 1972. Inspired by the form of a spine and ribs, its unique design combines both striking aesthetics and flexibility for exceptional comfort.

With only 400 of these chair produced between 1972 and 1976, this example is a rare find on the market. In great condition, as it went under complete restoration, it has been reupholstered in a beautiful semi-aniline cognac leather.

Little traces of use on the base, excellent overall condition, brushed aluminum and leather, France, C.1970.

 


 

Pierre Vandel was born in 1946 in Roubaix, near Lille, France. He is best known for his sleek, angular tables, which reflect the glamorous yet minimalist style that defined much of French furniture and lighting design in the 1970s. After earning a vocational qualification in industrial assembly and design, Vandel joined research teams at the prestigious Ponts et Chaussées and Arts et Métiers in Paris. Always interested in innovative technology, he initially experimented with projects like a vertical aquarium and hi-fi systems before focusing on furniture and lighting design.

In 1969, Marais International placed an order for 5,000 units of Vandel’s work, marking his entry into the market. However, his career truly took off after meeting fashion designer Pierre Cardin. Their friendship led to the creation of the Pierre Vandel – Paris brand, with Cardin promoting Vandel’s designs to a high-profile clientele.

Vandel’s pieces, including dining and side tables, desks, and coffee tables made from aluminum, lacquered wood, plexiglass, and glass, became popular in cities like New York, London, Melbourne, and Tokyo. His 1972 Vertèbre Chair, featuring a spine-like aluminum frame and leather upholstery, became a symbol of his avant-garde approach. Although only 800 of these chairs were produced, the design established Vandel’s reputation as an innovative force in furniture design, even as his more widely available Hollywood Regency-style pieces garnered broader attention.

 

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