Jean Prouvé Antony chair made in France 1955

Jean Prouvé

France 1901 – 1984
Architect and industrial designer

The Fauteuil Léger, widely known as the Antony Chair, is one of Jean Prouvé’s most iconic designs, created in 1954 for a dormitory hall at the Cité Universitaire d’Antony in France. Prouvé won the design competition for the project, and the chair’s form reflects his innovative approach to materials and structure. The Antony Chair showcases the flexibility and resilience of plywood, which Prouvé used to create the seat’s gently arched silhouette. This seat is supported by a sculptural black painted metal frame and rests on tubular metal legs, balancing elegance and durability.

While originally conceived for the university setting, the chair’s lightweight and elegant form quickly gained popularity in diverse environments, from waiting rooms to private homes. Its adaptability and minimalist appeal earned it the moniker “Light Easy Chair,” capturing both its aesthetic and functional appeal.

Today, the Antony Chair is celebrated as a masterpiece of mid-century design, with examples held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This particular chair is in excellent original condition, displaying a beautiful patina that has developed over time. It remains a cherished collector’s piece, representing Prouvé’s genius in merging functionality with visual harmony, and an iconic item for any mid-century enthusiast.

Literature; Jean Prouv̩ РM̦bel/Furniture/Meubles РTaschen 1991. Pages 84-87
Jean Prouvé. Edition Galerie Patrick Seguin & Sonnabend Gallery, 2007. Pages 278-281