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Chapo Création
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Profile:
Key points: Renowned for over 100 unique designs, blending craftsmanship with modernity.
Influenced by Bauhaus, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and other architectural masters.
Chapo Création, led by his grandson Zoran, preserves his legacy while innovating with new collaborations.
His son Fidel Chapo played a crucial role in reviving and continuing his father Pierre Chapo's legacy in furniture design. He passed away in 2021.
Nationality: French designer
Style: Pierre Chapo's creations present a balance between modernity and tradition: clean lines, geometric shapes and sturdy structures.
Inspired by the Bauhaus and architectural masters such as Frank Lloyd Wright, he has integrated these influences into functional pieces that highlight the natural beauty of solid wood.
His most representative works, such as the T01 table and the S01 stool, demonstrate his innovative assembly techniques that are close to craftsmanship.
Overview:
Studio Background: Pierre Chapo began his journey in design after studying architecture at the Beaux-Arts de Paris.
He opened Galerie Chapo in 1958 with his wife Nicole Lormier, showcasing his furniture alongside Scandinavian and modern design. His passion for craftsmanship led him to innovate with wood, creating iconic furniture designs celebrated for their structural and aesthetic brilliance.
Chapo Création was revived by his descendants and continues to produce Pierre Chapo's designs using traditional techniques while exploring fresh collaborations, such as their partnership with Yves Salomon.
Founders: Pierre Chapo (1927–1987)
Current: Zoran Chapo (Director General)
Approach, design philosophy:
Pierre Chapo's philosophy combined tradition and modernity, emphasizing functionality and the use of local materials like elm and oak.
Zoran Chapo, as director of Chapo Création, has embraced his grandfather’s values while adapting to contemporary demands, focusing on sustainability and collaboration.
"We still make furniture exactly as my father designed it. We are faithful to his legacy," said Fidel Chapo.
Style: Pierre Chapo’s designs are defined by their architectural precision, geometric forms, and organic simplicity.
Chapo Création continues this ethos, ensuring every piece is faithful to the original while remaining relevant to modern tastes.
Main inspirations: Pierre Chapo was inspired by the masters of modern architecture, his experiences as a craftsman, and his travels in North and South America.
Nicole Lormier’s artistic sensibilities also played a key role in shaping their designs.
Zoran Chapo draws inspiration from maintaining the integrity of his grandfather’s creations while exploring sustainable design techniques.
Identity and aesthetics: The identity of Chapo Création reflects Pierre Chapo's commitment to authenticity and simplicity.
Each piece showcases the natural beauty of wood through innovative joinery techniques and a dedication to handcrafted quality.
Values: The studio values sustainability, craftsmanship, and preserving the legacy of Pierre Chapo.
Zoran Chapo emphasizes collaboration and innovation to continue evolving the brand while staying true to its heritage.
Creative Process: The process involves meticulous craftsmanship
It involves craftsmanship, from the selection of wood to the assembly using traditional techniques like the “48×72” and “Chlacc” systems, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
Production and Materials: Chapo Création predominantly uses solid oak and elm sourced from sustainable forests.
The finish is traditionally applied with linseed oil and turpentine, ensuring the furniture remains environmentally responsible and timeless.
Production Methods: Traditional woodworking techniques
Traditional woodworking techniques are combined with contemporary methods to preserve the original designs' integrity while meeting modern standards.
Main Categories:
Furniture (tables, chairs, stools, beds, cabinets, sideboards)
Lighting
Custom-made pieces
Notable Collections:
The Chapo Collection (featuring classics like the T01 table and S01 stool)
Yves Salomon collaboration (2024)
Major Projects:
Original commission for Samuel Beckett (“Godot” bed, 1965)
Chapo Création x Yves Salomon (Maison&Objet 2024)
Recognition:
Pierre Chapo was awarded the Gold Medal by the City of Paris in 1960 and recognized at the 1967 Salon des Artistes Décorateurs.
Chapo Création continues to receive acclaim, most recently for its sustainability-focused collaborations.
Press/Media Quotes:
M Le magazine du Monde 2024 : “Le mobilier Pierre Chapo fait peaux neuves”
DesignBoom 2024 : “Yves Salomon and Chapo Création unpack their furniture collaboration at Maison&Objet”
Magazine Interencheres 2024 : “Pierre Chapo, un designer à redécouvrir”
MilkDecoration 2017 : “Pierre Chapo à New-York”
Awards and Distinctions:
Gold Medal, City of Paris (1960) – Awarded for his participation in the Exhibition of Arts and Crafts.
Bronze Medal, Société des artistes décorateurs (1967) – Recognized for his innovative furniture designs in wood at the renowned design showcase.
Exhibitions:
2017: Magen H Gallery, New York : A landmark exhibition showcasing Pierre Chapo’s iconic furniture.
2024: Maison&Objet, Paris Design Week : Yves Salomon and Chapo Création presented a collaborative collection honoring Pierre Chapo’s avant-garde legacy, blending his iconic designs with innovative sustainable materials.
Headquarters and Website:
Gordes, Vaucluse, France (atelier)
Marseille, France (boutique)