André Sornay Rare Geometric Bookcase with Sliding-Doors in Ash

André Sornay, library bookcase, ash, mahogany, lacquered wood, France, 1950s/1960s

This rare bookcase is exemplary of his later work and showcases his innovative use of the patented tigette system: a modular construction technique that defined this phase of his career. With his final major invention, André Sornay demonstrated a remarkable capacity for self-reflection and innovation, rethinking his design approach to align with the evolving needs of his era. He introduced a groundbreaking concept: furniture constructed entirely from removable components, allowing for flexible assembly, transport, and adaptation; an idea well ahead of its time.

The structure of the sideboard revolves around an asymmetrical order, visually engaging thanks to a careful play of line, proportion, and contrast. The rigid vertical and horizontal divisions in warm, rich mahogany give the piece a modular, almost architectural quality. Additionally, there is a quiet warmth and boldness to the design. The wooden materials and the pop blue and red colored interiors keep the piece from appearing cold or clinical. The sliding doors allow access to the interior, furnished with shelves, providing a highly practical solution while maintaining a clean front. It also connects with an aesthetic lineage that runs through both Bauhaus and Japanese design. There is no ornamentation for its own sake; every element, from the outlined edges to the inset panels, serves a structural purpose. A storage unit that is thoughtful, resolved, and elegant in its quiet logic and perfectly encapsulates the 1950s modern ethos.