Jean Prouvé
Folding Chair

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Designer Jean Prouvé (French, 1901–1984)French, 1901–1984

CultureFrench

Titles

Folding Chair

Datedesigned c. 1924–1928, made 1929

PlaceFrance

MediumTubular steel and linen canvas

Dimensions40 1/4 × 17 1/2 × 18 5/8 inches (102.9 × 44.4 × 47.3 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by J. Brian and Varina Eby, by exchange

Object number97.192

Not on view

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Department

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Object Type

FURNITURE

DescriptionJean Prouvé is one of the most important French designers of the pre- and post-World War II period. Trained as a craftsman in wrought iron, Prouvé was also an engineer. Metal was Prouvé's preferred material: steel, iron, and aluminum provided the basis for many of his designs. Prouvé eventually established his own atelier for the production of furniture and components. This Folding Chair is one of six that Prouvé created as a wedding present for his sister Marianne. The chairs were designed so that when not in use, they would nest together; their folded frames occupying a small space. This example is made of tubular steel, its individual elements hand-beaten—a direct tie back to Prouve's early training as a wrought-iron craftsman.

Provenance[Galerie Jousse Seguin]; purchased by MFAH, 1997.
Exhibition History"New to Houston, Recent Additions to Houston Collections," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, June 21–August 30, 1998.

"Modern and Contemporary Art: Spotlight on the Collection," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 7–August 27, 2000.

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