"Chaise A" with Smooth Backrest, Circa 1935-1955, gray

This iconic Tolix Chaise A, dating between 1935 and 1955, is a classic example of French industrial design. The chair features a smooth backrest ("dossier lisse"), a key detail that indicates it was produced before 1955, as later models introduced ribbed back panels for added strength. Designed by Xavier Pauchard, Tolix chairs are renowned for their durability, thanks to the use of pressed sheet metal and galvanized steel, which also made them rust-resistant and perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The design of this chair embodies the functional yet elegant approach of French industrial furniture of the mid-20th century.

The chair's clean lines, arched backrest, and perforated seat make it not only practical but visually striking. Its original grey patina adds to its vintage charm, reflecting its authentic use and age. This Tolix chair, with its pioneering use of metalworking techniques and distinctive aesthetic, was a precursor to modern plastic furniture, combining industrial materials with mass production techniques that reshaped both public and private spaces. The Tolix brand remains a symbol of enduring French industrial craftsmanship.