Papyrus Dining chair upholstered back
Designed in 1954 by Pierre Guariche for Steiner, the Papyrus chair is one of the five groundbreaking designs that reshaped Steiner’s trajectory in the early 1950s. Featuring a slim, elegantly curved seat, it showcases the advanced technical possibilities of thermoformed plywood. With its distinctive silhouette—a round, sensual shell resting on a sleek metal base—the Papyrus chair stands as a pioneering achievement in French furniture design, being the first wooden chair in the country to be crafted from a single piece.
Despite its lightweight appearance, the backrest is both sturdy and flexible, ensuring comfort and durability. Notably, the armrests remain made of solid beech, even in the upholstered version. Additionally, all chairs, including the carver version, are fitted with wrap-around tips under the feet for added stability and protection.
The Papyrus chair has successfully passed the FCBA tests, confirming its suitability for contract use, further solidifying its status as a design classic.
Born in 1926, Pierre Guariche was a visionary designer who left a lasting mark on modern furniture design. He studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, graduating in 1949, before joining the studio of Marcel Gascoin. Early in his career, he showcased his designs at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs and the Salon des Arts Ménagers.
In 1953, Guariche created the iconic Tonneau chair for Steiner, initially produced in plastic and later, in 1954, in bent plywood. The following year, he co-founded the Atelier de Recherche Plastique alongside Joseph-André Motte and Michel Mortier, a collective dedicated to design innovation. By 1957, he had taken on the role of Artistic Director at furniture manufacturer Meurop, further cementing his influence in the field.
Beyond his design work, Guariche was committed to education, sharing his expertise with students at the École Supérieure d’Architecture de Tournai and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. He was known for his ability to merge aesthetics with mass production, always striving to create functional, innovative, and stylish pieces that met the needs of his time. Among his most celebrated creations are the Tonneau chair (1953, 1954), the Tulipe chair (1956), and the Président desk (1961), all of which have become design classics.
