The Yoyo chair, whimsical, graphic and visually light, is composed of a metal frame and upholstered seat and back, for a result that is unique in form whilst recalling the free-form shapes for which the 1950’s are remembered.

Forged by hand, the tubular metal frame features four legs each capped by large round rings, the two back legs extend into uprights that pierce the backrest, both finished with the distinctive Yoyo rings. The frame is enamelled in black, for strength and protection, it is then mattified by hand, before being meticulously patinated, resulting in a smooth, harmonious finish, that finely balances between new and old.

The thin, elegantly curved seat, rests lightly on the metal base. The seat dips in the centre, providing a comfortable groove, whilst the sides flatten slightly towards the edge creating a smile in profile. The back in the shape of a palette or bean appears to float on the two vertical uprights. Both elements are covered in leather following time-honoured upholstery techniques. Sewn by hand, a visible tone-on-tone stitch follows the perimeter of the seat and backrest, fixing the upper and lower leather pieces together. The edges are finished in a matching shade of wax, a technique borrowed from the making of luxury leathergoods, which creates a smooth, homogeneous edge. The backrest is finished in the same manner, with the addition of a thicker hand stitch around the opening from which the metal tube emerges. These small stitches close the leather tightly around the upright, creating a continuous line where the front and back join that neatly wraps the perimeter of the form.

The aniline leather that covers both seat and back has been selected for its discreet, matte finish, its visible natural markings and its ability to patina and age, resulting in a piece that only improves with age. This leather originates in France and is a byproduct of the meat industry.

The Yoyo chair, designed by Jean Royère in the mid 1950’s, casts a strong silhouette, its palette shaped back a continuation of earlier free-form pieces from the late 1940’s, which heralded the predilection for organic shapes well into the 50’s and 60’s.

Employing surrealist tropes of fantasy and whimsy, the piece appears to be a character in motion, its round feet like frozen wheels, ready to roll at any minute. The same metal rounds sit atop the backrest, like expressive ears, waiting and listening. Like wheels on a toy, the chair looks like it could roll out of the room on its own accord.

Shown in the lounge of the Institute de Recherche de la Sidérugrgie (IRSID) in Metz, the Yoyo chair was accompanied by a suite of Yoyo armchairs as well as Yoyo coffee tables with both round and flaque tops. These pieces formed a cohesive grouping, the repetition of rings like a symphony of notes drawn in the air.

The Yoyo chair forms part of a broader family of Yoyo pieces including an armchair, dining chair with arms, two different barstools, a cards table, coffee tables with a variety of different shaped tops, a console and wall light. Each piece utilises the distinctive round ring as a base to the leg or as a cap to the uprights.

• Produced from Jean Royère’s original drawings

• Delivered with a certificate of authenticity

• Traditional Manufacture

• Structure in tubular and solid metal with a painted, hand-patinated and varnished finish.

Yo-Yo Family : footstool and table

The metal frame is finished in a baked-on black enamel and a hand-applied patina.

The aniline leather seat and back are available in a selection of colours, finished with a tone-on-tone stitch and wax edge to match the colour of the leather.

L. 49 x D. 53 x H. 91 cm

L. 19,3 x D. 20,9 x H. 35,8 in