Not currently on display at the V&A

Armchair

ca. 1925 (designed), 1930 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (1879-1933) was a furniture and interior designer based in Paris during the first third of the twentieth century. He never received any formal training in design or furniture making but was influenced by time spent at his father's painting and contracting firm during the 1900s. Although he had no practical skills (even his drawings had to be put to scale by another draughtsman), he became famous for attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. Ruhlmann sought inspiration in the neo-classical and revivalist trends in furniture from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He once said, 'Indeed, most of my works are of classical inspiration. And I often happen to take my students to Versailles. Naturally it is not to incite them to copy antiques. One ought only to find inspiration in them, adapt them to our time.' The simple lines, rich materials and minimal ornament of this armchair illustrate Ruhlmann's modernised version of classical design where comfort, elegance and simplicity were foremost.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Armchair
  • Cushion
Materials and techniques
Stained pearwood with silver-plated brass feet, and covers of gold/beige satin
Brief description
Stained pearwood, silver-plated brass feet, upholstered in gold / beige satin; French, 1930 designed and manufactured by Ruhlmann
Physical description
Armchair made of stained pearwood with seat, back, sides and arms upholstered in dull yelow satin with seat cushion also in dull yellow satin; ovieform feet of silver plated brass
Dimensions
  • Height: 30in
  • Width: 26in
  • Depth: 32in
Dimensions taken from object file; not checked on object.
Style
Gallery label
Armchair Designed by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (French, 1879-1933) Made by Ruhlmann, Paris Stained pearwood, silver-plated brass feet, upholstered in satin Designed about 1925, made in March 1930 Circ.329-1967(1994)
Summary
Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (1879-1933) was a furniture and interior designer based in Paris during the first third of the twentieth century. He never received any formal training in design or furniture making but was influenced by time spent at his father's painting and contracting firm during the 1900s. Although he had no practical skills (even his drawings had to be put to scale by another draughtsman), he became famous for attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. Ruhlmann sought inspiration in the neo-classical and revivalist trends in furniture from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He once said, 'Indeed, most of my works are of classical inspiration. And I often happen to take my students to Versailles. Naturally it is not to incite them to copy antiques. One ought only to find inspiration in them, adapt them to our time.' The simple lines, rich materials and minimal ornament of this armchair illustrate Ruhlmann's modernised version of classical design where comfort, elegance and simplicity were foremost.
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.329:1&2-1967

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Record createdFebruary 7, 2007
Record URL
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