Art dealer, chair collector. That's how Mr. François Callu Mérite describes himself, who has entrusted us with his exceptional collection of chairs gathered over more than 20 years.
Why did he collect chairs? It's difficult for him to answer the first question we obviously asked him when entering his world. But ultimately, the reason doesn't matter, it's probably the result that counts.

Like a private mini museum of chairs, Mr. Callu Mérite's collection is a witness to the history of design and the social history of the 20th century: from school chairs to Prouvé's Standard chair, industrial high chairs, and André Bloc's Bellevue chair-sculpture; the entire history of design is present through these various pieces. The collector was particularly interested in chairs composed primarily of wood and metal, less attracted to the new materials that emerged after the post-war boom but rather fascinated by the possibilities offered by wood and metal, two very simple materials.

As we know, the chair is certainly the quintessential piece of design. The seat is both sculptural, utilitarian, and an object of social identification. Chairs follow and will continue to follow the styles of countries and eras in which they are designed. Thus, the Just Sit Down collection invites us on a journey, from France to Brazil, passing through the United States and Scandinavian countries.

Text written by: Salomé Pirson - Auctioneer at Maurice Auction