Pierre Chareau, iconic MT1004 modernist bar stool.
Pierre Chareau MT1004 Bar Stool (circa 1930)
We are delighted to present an original MT1004 bar stool by Pierre Chareau, an authentic piece dating from the 1920s-1930s.
Standing at 80 cm in height with a 36 cm diameter, it is an iconic work of modernist design.
The stool's condition is consistent with its age and history: the leather seat cushion is not original, and the tubular metal frame shows some loss of nickel plating along with traces of corrosion. These signs of use are tangible proof of its age and authenticity.
The assembly, welds, and quality of the nickel plating are characteristic of craftsmanship from this era, confirming that this is by no means a recent edition. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a landmark of 20th-century design, whose history and patina are an integral part of its charm and value.
The MT1004 Bar Stool by Pierre Chareau: A Functional Masterpiece from the 1930s.
The MT1004 bar stool, designed by Pierre Chareau around 1930, emerged during a pivotal moment in the evolution of modernism. While the Art Deco style was at its peak, avant-garde creators like Chareau were already moving past it. They were exploring a more stripped-down, industrial aesthetic, heavily influenced by functionalism and the machine age.
This period was defined by:
- The Machine Age: Industry and mass production were seen as new sources of aesthetic inspiration. Materials like tubular metal, glass, and synthetics became symbols of modernity.
- The Rise of Modern Social Spaces: Bars, hotels, and entertainment venues were flourishing. These new spaces required furniture that was functional and durable yet still aesthetically pleasing.
- The Influence of the UAM (Union des Artistes Modernes): As a founding member, Chareau shared a belief with other members (like Robert Mallet-Stevens and Francis Jourdain) that design should be rational and free of superfluous ornamentation.
The MT1004 bar stool is a perfect response to these trends. It rejected the opulent Art Deco aesthetic in favor of a design of great formal rigor, one that highlights the structure itself.
A Masterpiece from Chareau's Mature Period
The MT1004 bar stool is a key work from Pierre Chareau's mature period, synthesizing several principles he had explored in the 1920s.
- Minimal Structure, Maximum Impact: The uniqueness of the MT1004 lies in its refined base. It consists of two large, continuous loops of tubular metal, either nickel-plated or lacquered black, that intertwine to support the seat. This "spool-like" or "double-arch" form creates a strong visual tension and ensures great stability.
- A Dialogue of Materials: Chareau combined the cool, modern feel of tubular metal with the warmth and comfort of a circular leather seat. This assembly of materials was a deliberate contrast to the precious woods (like rosewood and ebony) and lacquers that dominated Art Deco furniture.
- An Aesthetic of Balance: Despite the complexity of its base, the MT1004 stool exudes a sense of lightness and balance. It is far from massive, and its slender silhouette was a perfect solution for the space constraints often found in bars.
- Timeless Design: The MT1004 bar stool is a true icon of modernism because it transcends its era. It is as functional as any contemporary bar stool but possesses a level of refinement and ingenuity that elevates it to a work of art.
This stool perfectly illustrates Chareau's philosophy: design should be intelligent, technically innovative, and exceptionally elegant. It was designed to fit harmoniously into modern interiors, often shaped by the work of other avant-garde architects and decorators.
Bibliographie :
- Pierre Chareau designer and architect, Brian Brace Taylor, edition Taschen, 1992, modèle reproduit à la page 99.
- un inventeur…l’architecte Pierre Chareau, U.A.M. Paris Paris 1954, modèle reproduit à la page 96
