More Chairs at Sea?

Xavier Pauchard was born in 1880, a French boilermaker and the creator of Tolix the furniture brand. Better known for designing a whole range of stamped metal furniture, Pauchard had the idea of installing the now famous ‘A chair’ on board SS Normandie during her maiden voyage in 1935. It’s rumoured that the A Chair, known as the Marais A Chair today, along with Armchair C furnished the center of the firefighters on board. The maiden voyage generated enormous media coverage and it will come as no surprise that Pauchard was almost certainly keen to cash in and why not!

French art historian Serge Lemoine says “one cannot describe Pauchard as an architect, designer or artist. He was simply a manufacturer, one who made practical items that would sell. And it is therein that lies the talent of these Pioneers: They were able to listen to the market, and respond to it.”

Whatever we see Xavier Pauchard and the Tolix brand as, it can’t be argued that the design of these iconic chairs has stood the test of time. The inspired versions of today are also available in a range of colours which complement the traditional metal finishes of yesteryear.

And finally, have a look at our video case study which showcases the colourful Tolix inspired chairs.