André Sornay Rare Bookcase with Sliding-Doors

André Sornay, library bookcase, 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 is spare and orderly, yet visually engaging, thanks to a careful play of line, proportion, and contrast. At a glance, its silhouette is severe and rectangular, with rigid vertical and horizontal divisions in warm, rich mahogany that give the piece a modular, almost architectural quality. Despite the geometric rigidity, there is a quiet warmth and boldness to the design. The mahogany frames and the blue-grey and light creme beige color fields 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.