Pierre Chapo or the elegance of solid wood

wp:paragraph In Gordes, a picturesque Vaucluse village perched on a rock, Fidel Chapo continues the family legacy of his father, Pierre Chapo (1927-1987), a furniture designer. Fidel Chapo has relaunched the manufacture of furniture designed by his father. With the help of his son Zoran, they are working on around a hundred pieces of furniture from the Chapo collection, based on the original models. Many discerning collectors commission them to produce new editions of furniture designed by Pierre Chapo. A prolific creator, Chapo has dedicated his entire life to design, with one desire: to create furniture that is functional, aesthetically pleasing and homogenous, and one thing in common: a love of wood. This article looks back at the emblematic creations of a designer whose work has been somewhat forgotten, yet who remains one of the great furniture designers of the 60s and 80s. In Gordes, a picturesque Vaucluse village perched on a rock, Fidel Chapo carries on the family legacy of his father, Pierre Chapo (1927-1987), a designer and furniture creator. Fidel Chapo has relaunched the manufacture of furniture designed by his father. With the help of his son Zoran, they are working on around a hundred pieces of furniture from the Chapo collection, based on the original models. Many discerning collectors commission them to produce new editions of furniture designed by Pierre Chapo. A prolific creator, Chapo has dedicated his entire life to design, with one desire: to create furniture that is functional, aesthetically pleasing and homogenous, and one thing in common: a love of wood. This article looks back at the emblematic creations of a designer whose work has been somewhat forgotten, yet who remains one of the great furniture designers of the 60s and 80s. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":16984, "sizeSlug": "full", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Le Strict Maximum Interior of the Chapo Gallery in Gordes, portrait of Pierre Chapo. Inside the Chapo Gallery in Gordes, portrait of Pierre Chapo. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16988, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Karel Balas Fidel Chapo in the Chapo furniture workshop in Gordes, in front of a famous model of his father, Pierre Chapo Fidel Chapo in the Chapo furniture workshop in Gordes, in front of a famous model of his father, Pierre Chapo . /wp:image wp:paragraph Pierre Chapo was born in 1927 into a family of craftsmen living in the Belleville district of Paris. 10 years later, the Chapo family moved to Vierzon in the Cher department. Initially, Pierre Chapo thought he would go into painting, but meeting a marine carpenter, Mr Perrot, introduced him to woodworking. He then decided to enrol at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, in the architecture section. Pierre Chapo was born in 1927 into a family of craftsmen living in the Belleville district of Paris. 10 years later, the Chapo family moved to Vierzon in the Cher department. Initially, Pierre Chapo thought he would go into painting, but meeting a marine carpenter, Mr Perrot, introduced him to woodworking. He then decided to enrol at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, in the architecture section. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In 1956, he undertook a crucial internship with the architects Lescher and Mahoney in Phoenix (Arizona). He perfected his cabinet-making skills. In the meantime, Pierre Chapo travelled through Central America, Mexico, the USA and Canada in a Ford T. It was a journey of initiation. It was a journey of initiation, as he visited the studio and home of the American architect-designer Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1956, he undertook a crucial internship with the architects Lescher and Mahoney in Phoenix (Arizona). He perfected his cabinet-making skills. In the meantime, Pierre Chapo travelled through Central America, Mexico, the USA and Canada in a Ford T. It was a journey of initiation. It was a journey of initiation, as he visited the studio and home of the American architect-designer Frank Lloyd Wright. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Back in France, Pierre Chapo made his first pieces of wooden furniture. In particular, he made the L01 Godot bed, commissioned by the famous poet and playwright Samuel Beckett. For its time, this French elm bed was strikingly modern, with clean lines that gave it great elegance, in keeping with the design of Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé. Back in France, Pierre Chapo made his first wooden furniture. In particular, he made the L01 Godot bed, commissioned by the famous poet and playwright Samuel Beckett. For its time, this French elm daybed was striking for the modernity of its clean lines, giving it great elegance, in keeping with the design of Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":16993, "sizeSlug": "full", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Drouot Bed L01 "Godot", designed and made by Pierre Chapo, 1959. The bed's name is a reference to Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot". A piece marked by the sobriety of its lines, resolutely modern for its time. Bed L01 "Godot", designed and made by Pierre Chapo, 1959. The bed's name is a reference to Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot". A piece marked by the sobriety of its lines, resolutely modern for its time. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16994, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Chapo Créations Bed L01 "Godot", corner detail, designed and produced by Pierre Chapo, 1959. Note the comb joint at the corners of the frame, the furniture's only decorative element. The furniture can be used as a sleeping area, a bench or a daybed. Bed L01 "Godot", corner detail, designed and produced by Pierre Chapo, 1959. Note the comb joint at the corners of the frame, the furniture's only decorative element. The furniture can be used as a sleeping area, a bench or a daybed. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16986, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Design Market Daybed L 01 by Pierre Chapo, re-edited by Chapo SA and made in the Chapo workshop in Gordes by Pierre Chapo's son and grandson. L 01 daybed by Pierre Chapo, reissued by Chapo SA and made in the Chapo workshop in Gordes by Pierre Chapo's son and grandson /wp:image wp:paragraph In 1958, Pierre Chapo and his wife, Nicole Lormier, opened their own gallery on Boulevard de l'Hôpital in Paris. They exhibited the cabinetmaker's first pieces of furniture, as well as those by other designers whom Chapo loved: Charlotte Perriand and Serge Mouille for the modernity of their pieces, and above all the sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), with whom he shared a love of artisanal woodwork and a taste for organic design . Chapo set up his workshop in Clamart. In 1960, his talent was acclaimed, and he was awarded the Gold Medal of the City of Paris at the Arts et Techniques de l'Artisanat exhibition. Arts et Techniques de l'Artisanat. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph From the 1960s onwards, Pierre Chapo acquired a certain notoriety, designing and creating solid wood furniture that was noted for its modernity. Some of his creations became emblematic, including the S10 chair, remarkable for its combination of leather and wood, the S24 chair, appreciated for its sobriety, and the S45 chair or "Chlacc" chair, with its assertive design. Finally, what can we say about Pierre Chapo's stylistic exercise in designing the T22 "L'œil L'œil" coffee table? A piece 'hunted' by seasoned collectors for the beauty of its curves, one of the rare free forms designed by the master cabinetmaker. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":16983, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Galerie44 Chair/Armchair S10, model Sahara, design: Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1964. This chair is one of the designer's "classics". It has an imposing solid elm frame and a natural leather seat. The armrests are also in leather. S10 chair/armchair, Sahara model, design: Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1964. This chair is one of the designer's "classics". It has an imposing solid elm frame and a natural leather seat. The armrests are also in leather. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16981, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Galerie44 Chair/Armchair S10, model Sahara, design: Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1964. The S10 is a subtle blend of thick leather and solid elm, whose colours blend together to create an elegant statement. The finish is a simple, natural blend of linseed oil and turpentine. S10 chair/armchair, Sahara model, design: Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1964. A subtle blend of thick leather and solid elm, the colours of which mingle, the S10 imposes its elegance. The finish is a simple, natural blend of linseed oil and turpentine. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16982, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Galerie44 Chair/Assembly S10, model Sahara, design: Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1964. Pierre Chapo's signature on this piece: the assembly of the wooden pieces is typical of his meticulous work. S10 chair/armchair, Sahara model, design: Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1964. Pierre Chapo's signature on this piece: the assembly of the wooden parts is typical of his meticulous work. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16977, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Bellelurette Series of chairs model S11, design by Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1966. The S11 chair borrows some of its technical features from the S10, such as the interlocking system and the stretched leathers that ensure the solidity of the seat. S11 chair series, designed by Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1966. The S11 chair borrows some of its technical features from the S10, such as the interlocking joints and the stretched leathers that ensure the solidity of the seat. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16978, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Bellelurette chair series model S11, design by Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, detail, 1966. For this model, Pierre Chapo refined his technique with interlacing wood made possible by "48×72" assembly. The chair takes on a truly architectural appearance. series of chairs model S11, design by Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, detail, 1966. For this model, Pierre Chapo refined his technique with interlacing wood, made possible by "48×72" assembly. The chair takes on a truly architectural appearance. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16996, "width":634, "height":845, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Chapo Créations S24 chair, designed by Pierre Chapo for Les Ateliers Chapo, 1967. Solid elm chair. More work on the half-timbered corner joints, with a deliberate choice for a pared-down design, since only visible BTR screws "decorate" the model. A light, comfortable seat. S24 chair, designed by Pierre Chapo for Ateliers Chapo, 1967. Solid elm chair. More work on the half-timbered corner joints, with a deliberate choice for a refined design, since only visible BTR screws "decorate" the model. A light, comfortable seat. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16998, "sizeSlug": "full", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Les Illumines Design T22 "L'œil" coffee table, designed by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1972. An arch table with round legs, this seat evokes the shape of an eye, hence its name. The frame is in solid elm or oak. T22 "L'œil" coffee table, designed by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1972. An arch table with round legs, this seat evokes the shape of an eye, hence its name. The structure is in solid elm or oak. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16997, "sizeSlug": "full", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Les Illumines Design T22 "L'œil" coffee table, designed by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1972. The beauty and elegance of the shapes... T22 "L'œil" coffee table, designed by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1972. The beauty and elegance of the shapes are striking... /wp:image wp:image {"id":16985, "sizeSlug": "full", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Les Illumines Design Coffee table T22 "L'œil", design by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1972. 2 identical tables can be joined together to form a larger coffee table. The centre can be empty or occupied by a tray attached to one of the parts. T22 "L'œil" coffee table, designed by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1972. 2 identical tables can be assembled to form a larger coffee table. The centre can be empty or occupied by a tray attached to one of the parts. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16980, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Espace Moderne T22 "L'œil" coffee table, designed by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1972. This is the version with a single half-moon-shaped piece and the eye-shaped centrepiece. The independent consoles of the T22 can be arranged according to taste. A vintage design must-have! T22 "L'œil" coffee table, designed by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1972. This is the version with a single half-moon-shaped piece and the eye-shaped centrepiece. The independent consoles of the T22 can be arranged according to taste. A vintage design must-have! /wp:image wp:image {"id":16991, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Design Market S45 or "Chlacc" chair, designed by Pierre Chapo, 1979. This seat is immediately recognisable by the slim line of the backrest. Technically complex to create, the S45 chair leaves a strong sculptural impression. S45 or "Chlacc" chair, designed by Pierre Chapo, 1979. This seat is immediately recognisable by the slender line of the backrest. Technically complex to produce, the S45 chair leaves a strong sculptural impression. /wp:image wp:paragraph What can we say about the design developed by Pierre Chapo? It oscillates between the traditional craftsmanship of woodwork and the modernity of rectilinear shapes with rounded or angled corners. Pierre Chapo's furniture is generally very sturdy, with remarkable craftsmanship. The work on the interlocking joints, in particular, reveals great precision of gesture. Pierre Chapo's preferred material is solid elm, which he likes for its rough grain, although he sometimes uses oak, ash or fir. The finish is always meticulous, and the wood is treated with linseed oil and turpentine. What about the design developed by Pierre Chapo? It oscillates between the traditional craftsmanship of woodworking and the modernity of rectilinear shapes with rounded or angled corners. Pierre Chapo's furniture is generally very sturdy, with remarkable craftsmanship. The work on the interlocking joints, in particular, reveals great precision of gesture. Pierre Chapo's preferred material is solid elm, which he likes for its rough grain, although he sometimes uses oak, ash or fir. The finish is always meticulous, and the wood is treated with linseed oil and turpentine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A gifted designer, Pierre Chapo makes a wide variety of wooden furniture: seats, of course, but also sideboards, storage shelves, desks, benches and sofas, beds, chests of drawers and coat racks. In 1967, he moved his production workshop to Gordes, in the Vaucluse, to create the company "CHAPO Gordes S.A.", where he continued his work throughout the 1970s. A gifted designer, Pierre Chapo produced a wide variety of wooden furniture: seating, of course, but also sideboards, storage shelves, desks, benches and sofas, beds, chests of drawers and coat racks. In 1967, he moved his production workshop to Gordes, in the Vaucluse, to create the company "CHAPO Gordes S.A.", where he continued his work throughout the 1970s. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":16995, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Chapo Créations R08 sideboard in elm or solid oak, designed by Pierre Chapo, 1964. R08 sideboard in solid elm or oak, designed by Pierre Chapo, 1964. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16976, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Hep Galerie R16 sideboard, designed by Pierre Chapo, circa 1969, in solid elm. Buffet R16, design by Pierre Chapo, circa 1969, piece in solid elm /wp:image wp:image {"id":16975, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Hep Galerie Buffet R16, design by Pierre Chapo, circa 1969, detail. Buffet R16, design by Pierre Chapo, circa 1969, detail. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16979, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Design Market Vintage shelf B17A, design by Pierre Chapo, 1972. Vintage shelf B17A, design by Pierre Chapo, 1972. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16989, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Piasa Solid elm desk model B19E, design by Pierre Chapo, circa 1960. A design based on simple, harmonious shapes... Solid elm desk model B19E, designed by Pierre Chapo, circa 1960. A design made of simple and harmonious shapes... /wp:image wp:image {"id":16990, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Piasa Solid elm desk model B19E, design by Pierre Chapo, detail, circa 1960. Solid elm desk model B19E, designed by Pierre Chapo, detail, circa 1960. /wp:image wp:paragraph Pierre Chapo was a creative artist, but also an outstanding wood technician. In the 1970s, he developed a range of furniture with a beam assembly system. The beamed legs of his creations prompted him to take his research further. The aesthetic result is as good as it gets. Pierre Chapo's design combines the traditional skills of the cabinetmaker with a high level of technical expertise to produce a refined, functional design with an architectural inspiration. Creative, Pierre Chapo is also an outstanding wood technician. In the 1970s, he developed a range of furniture with a beam assembly system. The beamed legs of his creations prompted him to take his research further. The aesthetic result is as good as it gets. Pierre Chapo's design combines the traditional skills of the cabinetmaker with a high degree of technical sophistication to produce a pure, functional design with architectural inspiration. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":16987, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Le vide grenier d'une parisienne Table T21, beam base, designed by Pierre Chapo, 1973. Table T21, beam base, design by Pierre Chapo, 1973. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16992, "sizeSlug": "full", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Drouot Pair of S31 stools, tripod beam base, design by Pierre Chapo, 1973. Pair of S31 stools, beamed tripod base, designed by Pierre Chapo, 1973. /wp:image wp:image {"id":16973, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Design Market S34 chairs, designed by Pierre Chapo. In 1974, Pierre Chapo completed the range of beam-assembled furniture. Asymmetrical yet perfectly balanced. The offset back makes this chair unique. S34 chairs, designed by Pierre Chapo. In 1974, Pierre Chapo completed the range of beam-assembly furniture. Asymmetrical yet perfectly balanced. The offset back makes this chair a unique piece. /wp:image wp:paragraph Suffering from Charcot's disease, Pierre Chapo died in 1987, aged just 60. We remember his exceptional work, which his descendants are now reviving, to the delight of enlightened design fans! Suffering from Charcot's disease, Pierre Chapo died in 1987, aged just 60. We remember his exceptional work, which his descendants are now bringing back to life, much to the delight of enlightened design fans! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph {"align": "right"} François Boutard François Boutard /wp:paragraph

Pierre Chapo or the elegance of solid wood

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