Rosewood sideboard 816 by Alain Richard for Meubles TV, France, 1960

Superb 816 sideboard, by Alain Richard, Meubles TV edition, 1960. This sideboard "reinterprets the codes of Art Deco in a modern and functionalist version, bringing Rio rosewood and chrome up to date while retaining the generous proportions and the rigor of the lines. Designed in the second half of the 1950s, at a time when prosperity returned to France and luxury became possible and desirable again. Alain Richard, as a functionalist, thought of the modern mistress of the house who did not have to kneel in front of her guests to get the fish dish from the bottom of her cabinet and invented this beautiful original proportion, deeper and higher than the common versions, thus highlighting everything placed on it. He chose the finest wood and the most chic invisible hinges, took care of the light oak interiors and the glass and lacquered wood fittings, had an adjustment jack and elegant screws designed for its square legs, and neat keys and drawer knobs. This beautiful piece of furniture has all the qualities of a great classic: perfectly functional, of opulent proportions and rare quality, with an aesthetic that is at once minimalist, elegant, modern and timeless, it is a major piece of French design from the 1950s. It exemplifies the modern French chic typical of the years 1955-1965. Preserved for decades in the collections of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. " In very good condition, it has been restored, some slight traces of time remain here and there. Slightly darker shade than in the photos.