Francis Jourdain Lounge Chair with Straw Seat

Francis Jourdain, armchair, straw, beech, pine, France, 1930s

This lovely design by Francis Jourdain (1876–1958) in France during the 1930s, embodies both elegance and craftsmanship. The chairs features a striking raked backrest and a seat made of intricately woven straw, which forms a captivating pattern. The dark-stained pine frame, with its sculptural wooden structures, adds a timeless, organic touch to the design. The way the frame is built, in a reconstructivist manner, is typical of French design from the first half of the twentieth century, reflecting the innovative spirit of the era. A similar model of this remarkable piece can be found in the prestigious Centre Pompidou in Paris, highlighting its significance in the history of French furniture design.