An original 1980s Cassina edition of the LC3 two-seat sofa, designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand in 1928.

The LC3, originally known as the Fauteuil Grand Confort, grand modèle, is one of the most recognisable upholstered designs to emerge from the collaboration between Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand. The design separates the supporting structure from the upholstered elements, with the loose cushions contained within an external tubular steel frame. It is a simple idea, but one that gives the sofa its particularly strong architectural character.

Cassina acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to produce the first four designs by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand in 1964, beginning production in 1965. Cassina remains the authorised manufacturer, working with the Fondation Le Corbusier and the designers' heirs to maintain the integrity of the original designs. 

This particular example is a Cassina production dating from the 1980s and retains its original black leather upholstery and original cushions. The black leather has aged particularly well, developing a soft surface and gentle signs of use without losing the clean, structured appearance of the sofa.

The cushions sit independently within the chrome-plated tubular steel structure, allowing the frame to remain clearly visible around the outside of the sofa. We particularly like this aspect of the LC3: unlike many upholstered sofas, the construction is not hidden. The supporting frame becomes an important visual part of the design and gives the sofa a strong presence from the front, sides and rear.

The sofa retains its Cassina production markings and number to the tubular steel frame. The number relates to Cassina production and forms part of the identification of the authorised edition.

The sofa is presented in very good original vintage condition. The original black leather and cushions show gentle wear consistent with age and use. The chrome-plated frame remains bright overall, although there is some localised deterioration to the chrome around the lower sections of the legs and feet, where small areas of plating have been lost and the steel beneath has developed light surface oxidation. We have deliberately photographed these areas in detail so that the condition is completely clear.

We particularly like earlier Cassina editions such as this. The combination of the original black leather, gently aged cushions and chrome frame gives the sofa a character that is quite different from a newly produced example, while remaining entirely faithful to one of the most important furniture designs of the Modern Movement.

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.