Garouste & Bonetti Koala armchairs in bronze and alpaca 1995

Superb pair of armchairs by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with a curved wood structure and solid patinated bronze legs. Garouste & Bonetti began their collaboration and gained worldwide recognition following the interior decoration of the Parisian nightclub Le Palace in 1979, commissioned by Fabrice Eamer. This model of armchairs was designed by the duo in 1995 and published by BGH. Each patinated bronze leg is stamped B.G. They have been fully restored and covered in a very soft white alpaca velvet. Reference: Y. Brunhammer & M.L. Perrin, "Le mobilier français 1960-1998", Editions Massin, Paris, 1998, pages 58, 94 and 101. The duo Garouste & Bonetti distinguished themselves by inventing a new baroque and barbaric romanticism. Becoming an essential reference on the international art and design scene from the early 1980s to the late 1990s, they profoundly marked their era. Their furniture is characterised by its inventiveness, nonconformist nature, and great subtlety. Composed of eclectic and unexpected materials, it draws inspiration from the Middle Ages and Africa, while reinterpreting Venetian baroque and neoclassicism. As they themselves stated about their approach: "Our ambition is to give people a sense of freedom in the choice of forms. Good taste deeply disturbs us. What matters to us is to instil doubt. We have no rules.".