Tongue Lounge Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s, Set of 2

The above features perfectly distinguish the “Tongue” lounge chair of the 1st edition, created by Pierre Paulin and produced in the 1960s by Artifort in the Netherlands. This 1960s design icon, which was recently featured among some of Paulin’s most famous works at the Galerie Perrotin, is closer to a cushion than to a proper seat; the undulating form suggested by the name leaves the wearer in a reclining position, with their buttocks separated from the floor by just a few centimeters of foam padding.

The soft, streamlined form, shapely lines of “Tongue” bring to mind a modernist sculpture exuding refinement, and the impression is enhanced by a revolutionized structure without legs. Tongue longue chair follows a completely different logic, more sculptural than architectural. Using a novel technique of wrapping the inner metal frame with foam rubber and then skinning it with a stretchy fabric, he produced a chair that appeared not to be an assembly of parts, but rather a single, uniform form.

This gorgeous accent, which will add a touch of extravagance to any interior, has recently been re-upholstered in high-quality Pierre Frey wool from Paris, France, which offers excellent structural properties and a kind of softness for the utmost comfort.

This piece of art is a material reflection of Pierre’s keynote which was the basis of his work

– considers himself a functionalist, he added “Two drops of poetry” to his work.
Condition:
“Tongue” lounge chairs are completely restored and reupholstered in high quality Pierre Frey wool fabric from Paris, France, that gives a luxurious touch to any interior.

Dimensions:
Width: 87 cm / 34.26 in.
Depth: 89 cm / 35.04 in.
Height: 63 cm / 24.81 in.

About the Designer:

Born in Paris in 1927, French designer Pierre Paulin studied stone carving and clay modeling at École Camondoin Paris in the early 1950s. He is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Artifort, which began in 1958 and lasted for about half a century. This collaboration resulted in several iconic works, including the famous Mushroom Chair (1959), the Ribbon Chair (1966), and the Tongue Chair (1968).

Notably, Paulin was commissioned by Le Mobilier National to decorate the private apartments of President George Pompidou at the Palais de L’Elysee in 1970 and to furnish the office of Francois Mitterand in 1983. Paulin’s work was influenced by his German roots, the early Modernists and, in particular, the American designers Charles and Ray Eames. His works are in the permanent collections of many prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Center George Pompidou in Paris, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, and the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna. Paulin died in Montpelier, France, in 2009.