Armchair

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (1879-1933) was a furniture and interior designer based in Paris during the first third of the twentieth century. He never received any formal training in design or furniture making but was influenced by time spent at his father's painting and contracting firm during the 1900s. Although he had no practical skills (even his drawings had to be put to scale by another draughtsman), he became famous for attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. Ruhlmann sought inspiration in the neo-classical and revivalist trends in furniture from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He once said, 'Indeed, most of my works are of classical inspiration. And I often happen to take

Armchair · Paris · ca. 1925. Stained pearwood with silver-plated brass feet, and covers of gold/beige satin. By Ruhlmann, Emile Jacques. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.