Pair of Tolix chairs by Xavier Pauchard, first edition, late 1920s

Pair of Tolix chairs by Xavier Pauchard, first edition, late 1920s. The Tolix A chair, created in 1925 by the Burgundian industrialist Xavier Pauchard, a pioneer of galvanization in France, is a true emblem of industrial furniture. Made entirely of stamped and galvanized sheet metal, it is designed to withstand bad weather and be stackable, meeting the needs of café terraces, canteens, and public spaces. Its robustness, minimalist design, and practicality have made it an icon of French utilitarian design. Used in bistros between the two wars, it can now be found in the collections of the Vitra Design Museum and the Centre Pompidou. A figurehead of metal furniture, the Tolix embodies a rare artisanal heritage. The very first version—highly sought after—was notably designed to equip the Normandie ocean liner, meeting fire safety requirements. Reference: 1667.