Pierre Chapo "B17B" Bookshelf in Solid Elm, France 1960s

This elemental wooden bookshelf, ‘The Bibliothèque’ model no. B17B, is one of the most quintessential pieces designed by Pierre Chapo.

It consists of four solid elm shelves that rest under brackets. Interestingly you would expect the shelves to rest on the brackets, however Chapo playfully turned this around and put the brackets on top, fixing the construction with elm wedges. This way the brackets also function as bookends.

The harmony of the lines between the uprights and the shelves is accentuated by the originality of the mounted support system. The use of the large pieces of solid elm give the bookshelf a very calm, natural feeling. The wood has a nice grain and patina. The visible joints of the wood at the side of the shelves are a wonderful detail and very typical for the work of Pierre Chapo.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some small marks and scratches.

Dimensions:
88.98 in W x 13.99 in D x 72.05 in H
226 cm W x 35.5 cm D x 183 cm H

Literature:
Pierre Chapo, Magen H. Gallery, New York 2017

About the designer:
Pierre Chapo, who was born in Paris on July 1927, initially was interested in becoming a professional painter. However after a chance meeting with a shipbuilder who introduced him to wood and woodcrafts, Chapo changed his focus and decided to study architectural studies at the prestigious École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. After graduating Chapo and his wife, the sculptor and painter Nicole Lormier, started to travel extensively through Scandinavia and Central America. Among the many places the couple visited was the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West. A visit that had a lasting influence on Chapo’s future work and designs.