Sideboard by Alain Richard, Meubles TV edition, 1950

Elm veneer and black lacquered metal sideboard designed by Alain Richard, published in 1950 by Meubles TV. Model 196 features 2 sliding doors that reveal an interior with 3 drawers and 2 shelves, providing ample storage space.

Renowned French designer Alain Richard (1926 - 2017) is considered one of the most brilliant figures of his generation. Graduating from the École nationale des arts décoratifs in 1949, he first worked with his former teacher, René Gabriel, before moving to the Netherlands following Gabriel's death. There, he collaborated with Hein Salomonson, then returned to Paris in 1952 to set up his own design office with Jacqueline Iribe, a designer of furnishing textiles. His rigorously functional furniture was first published by Lavrilleux et Charron, then by Meubles TV, where he worked in collaboration with André Monpoix. Together, they created the famous Banquette 195 (1954), awarded the Prix de la Triennale de Milan in 1954, followed by the Prix René Gabriel ten years later. In the '70s, Alain Richard continued to shine, with commissions from the Mobilier national, museums, hotel groups, winter sports resorts, and even prestigious BNP branches around the world.