Pierre Paulin (1927–2009) was a visionary French designer renowned for his avant-garde approach to furniture and interior design. Blending sculptural forms with ergonomic function, he revolutionized mid-century modern aesthetics with his bold, organic shapes and innovative use of materials.
Rising to prominence in the 1960s and ’70s, Paulin created iconic pieces like the Ribbon Chair, Tongue Chair, and Mushroom Chair—each defined by fluid lines and vibrant upholstery. His work, often produced by renowned manufacturers such as Artifort, blurred the boundaries between art and design, embodying a futuristic yet playful sensibility.
Beyond furniture, Paulin was commissioned to design interiors for the Élysée Palace under Georges Pompidou, cementing his status as a design luminary. Today, his work remains highly influential, with reissues of his designs continuing to captivate collectors and contemporary design enthusiasts alike
Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1973
In 1964 Pierre Paulin presented the F580 model, the first version of the Groovy armchair. This model is one of the great achievements of the period from 1958 to 1968 during which, inspired in particular by car industry, he used tubular structures covered with moulded foam and stretch textile to gain lightness and strength while allowing industrialisation. In the early 1970s, the F598 Groovy armchair took its final shape and enjoyed great success until the end of the edition.
Please note that these specific chairs are to be reupholstered. The cost of labour is included in this price although the fabric of your choice will come at an additional cost.
Designer
MORE
