Andre Sornay bookcase made in France 1955

Very nice modernist bookcase designed by Andre Sornay and manufactured by his own company Sornay Meubles, France 1955. Made from a sturdy solid mahogany frame with black and white painted board panels with wooden handles, this bookcase is part of a modular series designed by Sornay. The design for sure has a Japanese influence. Inside, the bookcase offers lots of storage, suitable for books or folded clothing. In very good original condition with normal age related wear.

André Sornay, a prominent figure in the world of design, began his journey by joining Lyon art school and later took over the family business in 1919. Transforming the production from classical furniture copies to modern designs, he was heavily influenced by Bauhaus and the Stijl movement. As part of the Union des Artistes Modernes, alongside visionaries like Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, Sornay aimed to break traditions and make art accessible.

Sornay’s creations were characterized by geometric lines, harmonious proportions, and practicality, utilizing a mix of traditional and modern materials. Notably, he patented the “cloutage” technique during the 1929 depression, revolutionizing furniture assembly. This led to the production of “clouté furniture,” available in small series and affordable to many. Post-World War II, Sornay secured patents, showcasing his continuous innovation.

While mainly exhibiting at Lyon autumn fairs, Sornay participated in Parisian exhibitions. Despite initial misunderstanding in 1925, he received recognition in 1937, winning a bronze medal for his personal study. In the 1950s and 1960s, as design trends normalized, Sornay shifted focus to working with local authorities, gradually passing the business reins to his children.