Lounger Sanatorium Martel de Janville, Jean Prouvé and Jules Leleu, Atelier Prouvé, 1936.
The Martel de Janville sanatorium at Passy in Haute-Savoie opened in 1937. Its Art Deco architecture was designed by Pol Abraham and Henry Jacques Le Même, Jules Leleu was in charge of the interior design. The budget was very limited and the materials had to be hygienic. The decorator called on Jean Prouvé, then renowned for his ability to develop effective solutions in a tough economic context. In 1933, Jean Prouvé furnished the rooms of the Cité universitaire of Nancy with a similar brief.
The steel furniture that furnishes the 180 rooms of the Martel de Janville sanatorium was entirely made by the French designer who designed in 1936 a standardized set of 7 items per room: a lounger, a side table, a bed with integrated bedside table, a side table, an armchair, a chair and a desk.
The lounger available here comes from the Sanatorium Martel de Janville and has been completely restored with a new mattress and cushion, the steel frame has been professionally re-lacquered. The model has an adjustable backrest, oak armrests and a seat in wire mesh stretched over a tubular structure in lacquered metal.
As often with Jean Prouvé’s furniture, the shape of the chaise longue is both simple and elegant. The beautiful collector’s item stays functional and comfortable thanks to the professional restoration.
Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) is one of the most influent French designer from the 20th century, together with, among others, Charlotte Perriand or Pierre Jeanneret. Architect and designer Jean Prouvé distinguishes himself by a unique industrial style. He designed emergency and institutional solutions in a context of economic hardship from his workshop in Nancy. His icons, including the Anthony bed, the Compass desks and tables, the Standard chairs, etc. as well as his prefabricated houses are now highly valuable collectibles.
