Storage Units by Andre Sornay for Sornay, France, 1950s, Set of 2

Description

This exceptional pair of modernist storage units, designed by French cabinetmaker André Sornay in the 1950s for the Sornay Company, … more This exceptional pair of modernist storage units, designed by French cabinetmaker André Sornay in the 1950s for the Sornay Company, shows his innovative design philosophy. Constructed with solid beech wood frames and striking deep red laminate panels, these cabinets create a beautiful contrast between the wood and the vibrant red color. Assembled using Sornay's famous patented 'tigette' system, these units exemplify his pioneering approach to furniture design.
These rare cabinets are a fantastic find and would enhance any interior with their vintage charm and bold, colorful presence. They are in good vintage condition with a pleasing patina that adds to their character.

André Sornay (1902-2000) was a visionary 20th-century designer from Lyon, France. He took over his family's furniture business at 17, steering it away from traditional styles towards modernist movements like Bauhaus and De Stijl. Known for his innovative 'cloutage' technique, which used brass nails to create decorative lines on veneered furniture, Sornay patented this method in 1932. In the post-war era, Sornay tackled material shortages by standardizing production and creating fully demountable furniture. His 1953 patent for the 'Sornay Tigette' rod system revolutionized furniture design, enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
This innovation anticipated the modern concept of kit furniture, paving the way for the kind of products now popularized by companies like IKEA. By the late 1950s, he focused on modular furniture for public projects, blending vibrant colors, modern materials and geometric forms. Although he worked outside the Parisian design hub, Sornay's influence was significant. His pioneering work in modular and kit furniture, coupled with his commitment to democratizing design, cemented his status as a key figure in 20th-century design. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
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