The architect Pierre Guariche was one of the leading modern furniture and lighting designers of postwar France. Guariche can, in some ways, be thought of as the French version of Charles Eames: with his lean and angular chairs and slender, sculptural table lamps, he helped introduce a new aesthetic to the country’s interiors — and he was an eager pioneer in the use of new industrial materials and production techniques that emerged in the 1950s.
Guariche studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (the national design academy) under René Gabriel — a designer known for his quality, mass-produced furnishings, who served as a director of the postwar Ministry of Reconstruction. Two years after graduating in 1949, Guariche opened his own design firm, and he was soon creating pieces for numerous companies, including the lighting manufacturer Disderot.
Wood and metal were rationed in the years following the war and Guariche learned to do more with less. His chairs of the early 1950s include several designs with narrow, softly angular wooden frames; others, like the Tonneau chair, feature a single piece of molded plywood set atop metal legs. His lamps of the period are likely his best-known works. They include delicate compositions of slender steel tubes, and more flamboyant pieces such as the Kite lamp, with its curved metal reflector panel.
Always on the lookout for new materials, Guariche spent several years in the mid-1950s operating a firm making furniture in fiberglass and other plastics, along with Joseph André Motte and others. After 1957 — when Guariche was named head of design for the Belgian company Meurop and given a brief to create stylish, up-to-date chairs and cabinets — he began to look to America for ideas.
In the mid-1960s, Guariche produced several lines of deeply upholstered, rounded lounge chairs inspired by the Space Age look, and gave them names like Jupiter, Polaris and Luna. While Guariche always kept pace with his times, throughout his career he showed a consistent talent for producing elegant, eye-catching forms using a minimum of materials.
Find vintage Pierre Guariche furniture today on 1stDibs.
Pierre Guariche Armchairs by Meurop, 10 Pcs
By Meurop, Pierre Guariche
Located in Voorburg, NL
Fantastic and unique set of ten midcentury easy chairs produced by the Belgium manufacturer Meurop and designed by the French designer Pierre Guariche in the 1960s. Chairs in origina...
Steel
Pierre Guariche Vintage SK660 Armchairs Chairs
By Pierre Guariche, Steiner
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Pierre Guariche was born in 1926, son of a family of Parisian goldsmiths. He studied at the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs, where he was taught by René Gabriel. He graduated in the Spring of 1949. He became a member of the Union des artistes modernes (UAM). He joined the studio of another of his teachers, Marcel Gascoin. He began to exhibit his own work in the Salon des Arts Ménagers and the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs.[1] In the period after World War II (1939–1945) there was increased interest in using new methods and materials for mass production of furniture. Manufacturers of materials such as formica, plywood, aluminum, and steel sponsored the salons of the Société des artistes décorateurs. Designers who exhibited their experimental work at the salons in this period included Guariche, René-Jean Caillette, Joseph-André Motte, Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Antoine Philippon and Jacqueline Lecoq Beautiful pair of SK660...
Metal
$3,530 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.87 in D 31.5 in
Nice pair of G10 Chauffeuse Armchairs design by Pierre Guariche for Airborne
By Pierre Guariche
Located in NICE, FR
This is a pair of iconic G10 lounge chairs designed by Pierre Guariche for Airborne. The sleek, minimalist design reflects Guariche's signature modernist approach, with a tubular bla...
Fabric, Foam
Pair of French Reconstruction Armchairs, circa 1960
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Pair of French Reconstruction Armchairs, circa 1960
Faux Leather, Beech
$1,471
H 33.08 in W 22.84 in D 27.17 in
Mid Century Lounge Armchair in Pierre Guariche style, France 60s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Lucija, SI
This Mid century armchair is attributed to Pierre Guariche, Made in France in the 60. Original fabric from the 60s
Metal
$5,648 / set
H 32.29 in W 22.84 in D 21.26 in
Mid-Century Pair of Armchairs Mod 56 by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Pair of Armchairs Mod 56 by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, 1960s - New Leather
Metal
$2,795 / set
H 32.7 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in
1960s Czech Upholstered Armchairs, Wood Frame, Mid-Century Design
Located in High Point, NC
Elevate your interior with this pair of 1960s Czech Upholstered Armchairs, a striking example of mid-century modern design. These chairs feature sleek, angular wooden frames with a r...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 2 Mid Century Italian Armchairs In Style of Zanuso 1960
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pair of 2 Mid Century Italian Armchairs, crafted in the style of Zanuso, exude timeless elegance. Their distinct design features fully brass legs that add a touch of luxury. Rece...
Brass
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner pair of armchairs
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie paire de fauteuils par Martin Eisler et Carlo Hauner pour Forma moveis, vers 1960.
Metal, Brass
Armchairs Carlo de Carli, 1955
By Carlo di Carli, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
These two elegant armchairs with dark blue fabric upholstery, designed by the Italian architect and designer Carlo de Carli, impress with their simplicity. The construction is made o...
Fabric, Walnut
Pierre Guariche SG10 Slipper Chairs SG10, France 1960's
By Pierre Guariche
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of SG10 slipper chairs by Pierre Guariche for “Sieges Temoins", upholstered wood frame on bent enameled steel tubing bases
Metal
Marco Zanuso Single Martingala Armchair, Italy 1950's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A Martingale armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. It takes its name from the pleated feature on its back.
Brass
Pair of Armchairs with Bentwood Arms, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of armchairs with bent ply arms and a flat metal connection between the seat and back that acts like a spring.
Metal
Vico Magistretti “Carimate” Armchairs, Italy 1960's
By Vico Magistretti
Located in New York, NY
Classic Carimate amrchairs in original lacquer and rush.
Rush, Wood
Pair of FS144 RJ Caillette Armchairs for Steiner, France1950's
By Pierre Guariche
Located in New York, NY
Pair of FS144 armchairs by Jean Rene Caillette for Steiner in blonde elm with an upholstered seat. As is, COM available.
Elm, Upholstery
Pair of "Congo" Armchairs, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French armchairs on enameled bases in their original upholstery. They are sold as is. Custom COM is available on request.
Metal
