André Sornay Rare Sideboard with Double-Sliding Doors in Blue and Black

André Sornay, sideboard, mahogany, lacquered wood, France, 1950s/1960s

This rare cabinet 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 and black color fields keep the piece from appearing cold or clinical.

The sliding doors allow access to the interior, furnished with drawers and shelves, providing a highly practical solution while maintaining a clean front. The geometrically carved legs lift the form off the ground just enough to give it air and a clear contrast in form. 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.