Jean Prouve 305 Métropole standard chair France 1951

Jean Prouvé

France 1901 – 1984
Architect and industrial designer

An enduring icon of mid-century industrial design, the ‘Metropole 305,’ also known as the “Standard Chair,” was conceived by the pioneering Jean Prouvé and produced by Ateliers Jean Prouvé in 1951. Prouvé’s design for the Metropole 305 ingeniously addresses the physical stresses placed on a chair: tubular front legs provide lightness, while the oversized, folded steel rear legs offer unparalleled strength and stability. This structural honesty, prioritizing balance and endurance, is fundamental to Prouvé’s philosophy, where form follows function with striking elegance.

The seat and backrest are formed from molded plywood, upholstered in their original red leatherette. Secured to the black-painted metal frame with exposed aluminum screws, these functional details celebrate the industrial aesthetic central to Prouvé’s designs. The distinct indented profile of the rear uprights links this version to the earlier Chaise No. 4, differentiating it from later continuous-curve iterations. The deeper, saddle-shaped seat, characteristic of this earlier form, offers superior ergonomic comfort.

Historically, during the wartime metal shortages of the 1940s, Prouvé responded with the all-wood Chaise Tout Bois (1942–1947), which opened new markets in private homes. Upon the return of stable metal supplies, he evolved his designs into metal-framed models like the demountable Chaise Cafétéria No. 300 and the preassembled, more robust Metropole 305.

This particular Metropole 305 stands out not only for its rarity and superb state of preservation but also for the enhanced comfort offered by its upholstered version — a highly sought-after variation compared to the all-wood models. The chair’s original condition and rich patina add depth, authenticity, and value, making it a truly exceptional acquisition for collectors and connoisseurs of 20th-century design.

Today, the Metropole 305 is rightfully celebrated in major museum collections worldwide and remains one of the most important contributions to modern seating design.

Literature: Jean Prouvé – Complete works Peter Sulzer Volume 3 1944-1954. Pages 208-212
Jean Prouvé – Edition Galerie Patrick Seguin & Sonnabend Gallery, 2007. Pages 266-269
Jean Prouvé – Möbel/Furniture/Meubles – Taschen 1991. Pages 54-55