DROP-FRONT SECRETARY BOOKCASE
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, unmarked
France, 1960s
Oak, oak veneers, brass
72 1/2" H x 17 1/8" D x 60 3/8" W
Executed in solid oak with oak veneers, this cabinet is organized around a central fall-front secretary with generous open shelving throughout. The writing surface is supported by withdrawing the concealed lopers beneath the fall front, allowing it to descend and rest on integrated supports for regular use without any concern. The lower section is fitted with a pair of drawers.
The construction emphasizes clarity of structure, with careful joinery and clever elements that hint at a river of unique thought in the designers - perhaps with a touch of brutalist sentiment as well. Surfaces are handled with restraint, allowing the grain and tonal variation of the oak to define the visual character. The arrangement of drawers, shelves and compartments reflects a consistent balance between utility and formal composition.
The cabinet was produced by Votre Maison, the firm established in 1949 by Robert Guillerme (1913–1990) and Jacques Chambron (1914–2001) in collaboration with cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq. Guillerme trained at the École Boulle, graduating first in his class in 1934, while Chambron studied at the School of Applied Arts in Reims. The two met during the Second World War while held in a prisoner camp in East Prussia. Following the war, Chambron joined Guillerme in Lille, where, together with Dariosecq, they formed Votre Maison. Production was carried out in Dariosecq’s workshop, with Guillerme responsible for design and Chambron for commercial direction.
Votre Maison produced a large body of work over several decades, with furniture characterized by solid oak construction and an emphasis on practical use within domestic interiors.
Condition: Holes for electricity in the backboards in two places. One replaced shelf (and ghosting on the sides where the original shelf extended further). Original surface throughout with lovely aged patina. Minor flaws, veneer chips, dings/abrasions and surface history as expected. Ready to place.
ref. 601DRP04S
