Charlotte Perriand: The Modern Life exhibition, Design Museum
I recently visited the Charlotte Perriand exhibition at the Design Museum, London.
She was a ground-breaking designer who worked with architect Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret creating iconic furniture and architectural statements. Because they are modern classics, you have probably seen, or sat in, some of her chairs without knowing who created them. These include Chaise Longue Basculante, Gran Confort and the Fauteuil Pivotant, which utilise steel tube structures.
Her second phase of furniture design was heavily influenced by her travels in Japan, where she stayed for two years during the Second World War. This is evidenced by her moving away from industrial materials, towards more naturalistic materials such as wood. She loved the sense of ordered emptiness Japanese homes.
Charlotte’s interpretation is part of a long tradition of Japan’s influence on design in Western Europe, which began in the late 19th century. Zena & Rose’s Japonisme collection and the new term Japandi (Japanese and Scandinavian design fusion) both continue this trend.
In case you have a hefty budget, some of Charlotte’s furniture has been recreated by Cassina.
Until next time creative crew,
Joanna
