Vitra, the esteemed Swiss furniture purveyor and design archivist, has brought back one of Jean Prouvé's seminal creations: the Antony Chair. This reintroduction emphasizes the chair's signature relaxed posture and distinct red elements, making a cherished piece from the Vitra Design Museum Collection accessible to a contemporary audience. Designed initially for student residences in Antony, France, in the early 1950s, this chair exemplifies Prouvé's pioneering approach to industrial design and his enduring aesthetic vision. Its current availability is limited, exclusively through Aram until the close of 2025, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and design aficionados to acquire this significant historical item.

The Legacy of the Antony Chair

The Antony Chair, a masterpiece of functional artistry, was first brought to life by Jean Prouvé in the nascent years of the 1950s. This period saw Prouvé's Ateliérs winning a prestigious commission to furnish the expansive Cité Universitaire in Antony, France, accommodating 150 rooms. The chair, echoing the design philosophy seen in other notable works like the Compas Direction table, features a robust construction. It incorporates powder-coated steel legs in a vibrant 'Rouge Corsaire,' a hue synonymous with Prouvé's work, complemented by an intricate tubular brace system and sturdy metal brackets that cradle a European pine seat. The plywood shell, celebrated for its unique wood grain, is further enhanced by a protective wax finish, intensifying its natural beauty and tactile quality.

The historical significance of the Antony Chair was formally recognized in 1984 when Rolf Fehlbaum, Chairman Emeritus of Vitra, added an original model to the burgeoning Vitra Design Museum Collection, marking it as the collection's inaugural chair. This acquisition laid the groundwork for a profound and collaborative relationship between the Prouvé family and Vitra. Over the subsequent years, this partnership blossomed, leading to numerous reissues of Prouvé's celebrated designs and a comprehensive exhibition in 2006 dedicated to showcasing his profound and lasting influence on design. Vitra's continuous commitment ensures that Prouvé's innovative spirit and remarkable contributions to furniture design continue to inspire and remain relevant for future generations, bridging the gap between historical significance and contemporary appreciation.

A Timeless Design Reimagined

The reissued Antony Chair by Vitra captures the essence of Jean Prouvé's original vision while meeting modern production standards. Its design is a testament to Prouvé's engineering ingenuity, featuring a minimalist yet robust structure that prioritizes both form and function. The chair's frame, composed of a series of tubular steel elements, provides exceptional stability, while the gracefully curved plywood shell offers surprising comfort. The choice of materials—powder-coated steel and natural European pine—not only reflects Prouvé's commitment to industrial simplicity but also ensures the chair's durability and timeless appeal. The striking red accents on the hardware add a touch of artistic flair, transforming a functional object into a visually compelling piece that effortlessly integrates into diverse interior settings.

This latest edition continues to honor the design principles that made the Antony Chair an icon. Each reissued chair is meticulously crafted, ensuring fidelity to Prouvé's specifications, from the precise angles of its structure to the distinctive grain of the wooden seat. The careful reintroduction of this piece by Vitra underscores the enduring relevance of mid-century modern design and Prouvé's pioneering role within it. Its exclusive availability through Aram until the end of December 2025 highlights its status as a collector's item, each chair bearing a unique numbered label. This reissue not only celebrates a significant chapter in design history but also reinforces Vitra's dedication to preserving and reinterpreting the works of design masters for a new era, inviting a fresh appreciation for the thoughtful interplay of structure, material, and aesthetic harmony.