An excellent original matched pair of Pierre Jeanneret Easy Chairs, dating from circa 1958 and produced for the Chandigarh project in India.

Purchased by us in Chandigarh, the chairs came from a government building and retain historical markings from their original institutional use. They have remained together as a matched pair and are very closely related in their construction, proportions, colour and overall surface.

The Easy Chair is one of Jeanneret's most recognisable Chandigarh designs. The structure is dominated by the characteristic V-shaped side supports, with the front and rear legs meeting directly beneath the long horizontal arms. The geometry is extremely simple but beautifully balanced, giving the chairs a strong architectural presence while the open cane seat and back keep the overall appearance relatively light.

These are excellent examples of the model. The proportions are particularly good, with long, gently angled arms, a low seat and a slightly reclined back producing the relaxed position that makes these chairs so comfortable to sit in. Seen from the side, the relationship between the V-shaped supports, projecting arms and angled back is especially successful.

What we like most about this pair, however, is the surface of the timber. The wood has developed a great depth of patina through decades of institutional use, with considerable variation in tone across the frames.

This is especially evident along the arms. The upper surfaces have gradually worn smoother and lighter through years of handling, while the sides of the arms retain a much deeper, darker patina. The transition between the two has developed naturally over decades and is one of our favourite details on the chairs. There are further scratches, dents, rubbed edges and variations in colour throughout the frames, all of which we have deliberately retained.

The two chairs also work extremely well together. Although closely matched, the patina is not artificially uniform; each has aged individually, while their colour, proportions and overall character make them a very coherent pair.

The chairs have been fully structurally restored by our trusted conservator. All of the wooden components are original to the chairs and the timber has been lightly cleaned and waxed, preserving the accumulated surface and signs of use rather than refinishing them.

The cane to both the seats and backs has been replaced and then sympathetically aged and toned to sit naturally alongside the much older timber. We prefer this approach with Chandigarh furniture, allowing the cane to be structurally sound and suitable for use without appearing conspicuously new against frames that have aged over many decades.

For us, these are exactly what we look for in a pair of Jeanneret Easy Chairs: excellent proportions, original timber, a very good matched pair and, above all, the kind of deep, naturally developed patina that simply cannot be recreated.

We have specialised in Pierre Jeanneret furniture for nearly nineteen years and have extensive experience in identifying, sourcing, restoring and selling his work. Given the number of later reproductions and incorrectly attributed pieces now on the market, we understand the importance of provenance, construction, materials and restoration when assessing Chandigarh furniture. We are always happy to discuss these aspects in detail and answer any questions regarding the attribution, provenance or restoration of our Chandigarh pieces.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.