c. 1950 - Set of six “compass leg” chairs in oak and red leatherette -

Understated and resolutely graphic, this set of six french chairs - dating from the mid-1950s - perfectly illustrates the aesthetic of the "compass feet" movement, emblematic of reconstruction and post-war optimism. The tapered base, inclined outwards like an open compass, contributes to the visual lightening of the silhouette; it is made of solid oak, carefully planed then varnished throughout, revealing a warm grain and a subtly nuanced honey patina. The seat belt, carved from the block, accommodates a floating seat filled with original foam and covered in red skai, a tone particularly sought after for its "fifties" accents and its ease of maintenance. The backrest, slightly inclined to fit the lumbar curve, uses the same principle of independent element: fixed by two invisible internal brackets, it seems to levitate in the frame, emphasizing the lightness desired by the designers of the time. The overall state of conservation of the set remains very satisfactory: the oak patina is homogeneous, and the original leatherette is without major snags, taut and free of tears. Here, the patina tells of more than seventy years of conviviality, ready to integrate into a mid-century interior as well as a contemporary decor looking for a touch of color. This means that if excessively restored, such pieces would lose their charm. It should be noted, however, that two chairs have a slight play in the base/belt junction; nothing prohibitive for daily use, but preventive tightening or gluing by a cabinetmaker (a simple and inexpensive operation) will bring their rigidity back to the level of the other four examples. -- dimensions (cm): 81 (h) X 38.5 (w) X 44 (d) X 44 (h seat). Origin & period: france, c. 1950 beautiful original condition.