PIERRE PAULIN 'BUTTERFLY' CHAIR PRODUCED BY ARTIFORT
The iconic ‘F675’ or ‘Butterfly’ chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1954 and reintroduced by Artifort in 2003.
Thick saddle leather is slung across the stainless steel wire frame to create a silhouette that appears to float the form.
This particular example is in beautiful vintage condition, with only light patina to the aniline leather and the powder coated stainless frame is unmarked.
A very rare piece due to limited production, viewing at our new store in Surry Hills.
Dimensions:
Width 81 cm
Depth 61 cm
Height 68 cm
Seat Height 40 cm
The iconic ‘F675’ or ‘Butterfly’ chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1954 and reintroduced by Artifort in 2003.
Thick saddle leather is slung across the stainless steel wire frame to create a silhouette that appears to float the form.
This particular example is in beautiful vintage condition, with only light patina to the aniline leather and the powder coated stainless frame is unmarked.
A very rare piece due to limited production, viewing at our new store in Surry Hills.
Dimensions:
Width 81 cm
Depth 61 cm
Height 68 cm
Seat Height 40 cm
The iconic ‘F675’ or ‘Butterfly’ chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1954 and reintroduced by Artifort in 2003.
Thick saddle leather is slung across the stainless steel wire frame to create a silhouette that appears to float the form.
This particular example is in beautiful vintage condition, with only light patina to the aniline leather and the powder coated stainless frame is unmarked.
A very rare piece due to limited production, viewing at our new store in Surry Hills.
Dimensions:
Width 81 cm
Depth 61 cm
Height 68 cm
Seat Height 40 cm
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Pierre Paulin, born on July 9, 1927, in Paris, was a prominent French furniture and interior designer known for his innovative and sculptural designs. Initially training as a ceramist and stone carver, his aspirations to become a sculptor were curtailed by an injury to his right arm. This setback led him to pursue formal education at the École Camondo in Paris, where he developed a keen interest in Scandinavian and Japanese design influences. His early career included collaborations with notable manufacturers like Thonet and Gascoin, but it was his partnership with the Dutch company Artifort that would define his legacy.
Paulin's relationship with Artifort began in 1958 and resulted in several iconic pieces that showcased his unique approach to furniture design. His most famous works include the Mushroom Chair (1959), Ribbon Chair (1966), and Tongue Chair (1968). These designs were characterized by their use of foam and stretch materials over lightweight metallic frames, creating forms that were both visually striking and ergonomically inviting. Paulin's work was celebrated for its clear lines and sensual materials, earning him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Royal Designer for Industry award posthumously in 2009.
In addition to his furniture designs, Paulin was commissioned for significant interior projects, notably redecorating the private apartments of President Georges Pompidou at the Élysée Palace in 1971 and furnishing the office of President François Mitterrand in 1983. His influence extended to public spaces as well; he redesigned interiors for the Denon Wing of the Louvre Museum and other notable venues. His ability to blend functionality with artistic expression made him a key figure in French design during the 1970s.
Paulin continued to design until his retirement in 1994, after which he moved to the Cévennes region of southern France. He passed away on June 13, 2009, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire contemporary designers. His work is preserved in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which held a retrospective of his work in 2016. Paulin's designs remain timeless examples of how furniture can merge art with everyday functionality.
