Pierre Jeanneret Pigeon Hole desk

Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) is recognised as a pivotal figure in modernism. His collaborations with his cousin Le Corbusier are especially significant, particularly their codification of modernist architectural principles in Five Points Towards a New Architecture (1926). Towards the end of their careers the pair also designed a utopian modernist city in India – Chandigarh, and Jeanneret designed some of his most celebrated furniture designs for the administrative buildings in the city.

The PJ-BU-02-A desk is one such design. On the reverse is a six-part pigeonhole bookcase for storage, and at the front a single deep drawer and cubbyhole. One side of the desk is comprised of a desk-wide slab leg and the other a tapered leg and smaller slab leg. Like the city it was intended for, it is a modest masterpiece of form following function, with studied consideration of formal balance and geometric harmony.

The desk vinyl top has been replaced later but the wood remains in the most sought-after unrestored condition, complete with the original painted written markings. The grain is full of character and patina, open from light and water wear.

Appears in the literature: “Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret: Chandigarh, India,” Galerie Patrick Seguin, pp. 248 – 249, 288 and “Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret: The Indian Adventure,” Touchaleaume and Moreau, p. 572.

H71.5 W122.5 D83cm

J046