Best Pamono Modernist Elm Shelf by Pierre Chapo for Seltz, 1950s

Pierre Chapo, a French architect and cabinetmaker trained at the École des Beaux-Arts, established himself in the 1950s and 1970s as one of the great names in modern furniture. Inspired by the principles of the Bauhaus and the creations of Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier, he developed a distinct, rigorous language where structure, function, and material are at the heart of his design. His preferred material: solid elm, which he crafts with great craftsmanship, emphasizing traditional joinery.

This shelf perfectly illustrates Chapo’s aesthetic. Its clean, solid design highlights the beauty of the wood, while the strong side uprights visually anchor the whole. The shelves are modular thanks to the side perforations, allowing for great flexibility of use. Both a sculpture and a piece of utilitarian furniture, this piece embodies the balance between functionality, craftsmanship and timelessness that has made Chapo famous among collectors around the world.