Mid-century furniture by Pierre Jeanneret (Switzerland)

Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) was a renowned Swiss architect and furniture designer who played a significant role in shaping the mid-century modern design movement. Born on March 22, 1896, in Geneva, Switzerland. Jeanneret was the cousin of famed architect Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) and worked for most of his life alongside Le Corbusier. Pierre Jeanneret died in Geneva in 1967.

He studied architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Geneva and at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. In 1922, he joined his cousin Le Corbusier in Paris, where they formed a partnership that lasted until 1940. Together, they designed some of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century, including the Villa Savoye, the Cité Radieuse, and the Unité d'Habitation.

Jeanneret was also a talented furniture designer. He created a number of iconic pieces, including the LC4 chaise longue, the LC2 armchair, and the LC10 more... folding table. His furniture designs were characterized by their simple lines, functional forms, and use of modern materials such as steel, glass, and leather. One of his most notable furniture creations is the "Chandigarh Chair," which was designed specifically for the administrative buildings and public spaces of Chandigarh, India—a city that Le Corbusier was commissioned to design in the 1950s. The Chandigarh Chair features a solid teak frame, a woven cane seat, and a simple, utilitarian aesthetic.

In addition to his work as an architect and furniture designer, Jeanneret was also a painter, sculptor, and town planner. He was a key figure in the development of modern architecture and design, and his work continues to influence architects and designers around the world.

After Le Corbusier's death in 1965, Jeanneret's career began to wane, and he gradually retreated from the design scene. He spent his final years in Switzerland, where he passed away on December 4, 1967, leaving behind a significant legacy as an architect and furniture designer. less...