The "A" chair from the French brand Tolix is one of the most famous pieces of industrial design of the 20th century. Its recognizable metal silhouette has become a symbol of loft style, minimalism and functionality. Even decades after its creation, this model remains popular in cafes, restaurants, offices and modern interiors around the world.
The beginning of the Tolix story
The legendary chair was created by French craftsman and designer Xavier Pauchard. Back in the early 20th century, he was involved in metalworking and experimented with the technology of galvanizing steel, which allowed him to protect the metal from corrosion. In 1927, Pauchard founded the Tolix brand and began producing metal furniture for industrial and public spaces.
At that time, metal furniture was considered practical, durable, and hygienic, so it was actively used in hospitals, factories, ships, and street cafes.
Creating Model "A"«
In 1934, Xavier Pauchard introduced the Model «A» – a chair made of galvanized sheet steel that combined simplicity of form, strength and functionality. This model was the world’s first all-metal stackable design, meaning the chairs could be stacked one on top of the other to save space.
The chair's structure was created by stamping, bending and welding metal. Thanks to this, the model had high strength and could be used both indoors and outdoors. The backrest received a characteristic "palmette" shape, reminiscent of a flower petal and providing additional rigidity to the structure.
Popularity in Europe and the USA
The Tolix chair gained great popularity after being used on board the famous transatlantic liner "Normandie" in 1935. The metal chairs perfectly withstood sea air, humidity and temperature changes without losing their appearance.
After that, the "A" model began to be actively used in French cafes, bistros and restaurants, and later in the USA and other European countries. The chair quickly became a symbol of industrial style due to its practicality and versatile design.
Tolix as a design icon
Over time, the Model "A" ceased to be just commercial furniture. It entered the collections of leading museums in the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, and the Vitra Design Museum.
In the second half of the 20th century, the popularity of Tolix declined somewhat, but the brand gained new life after the company was revived by designer Chantal Andriot, who bought the factory and revived the production of iconic models.
Tolix today
Today, the Model A chair remains one of the most iconic examples of industrial design. It is used in modern apartments, restaurants, coworking spaces, and commercial spaces. The model is available in a variety of colors and variations, but retains the original shape created in 1934.
Tolix has become an example of how a simple functional object can turn into a true design classic that has remained relevant for almost a century.
