Rare Pierre Jeanneret Benches and Stools From Chandigarh

Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier in India

The Chandigarh project was actually originally started by the architects Maciej Nowicki and  Albert Mayer, who bowed out of the project after his architect-partner Nowicki died in a plane crash (1950).

The British modernist architect couple Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew were subsequently tapped by Indian Prime Minister Pandit Nehru as replacements to design this new capital of Panjab. 

This was a huge undertaking and, concerned about their ability to take on such a large project, the couple were able to somehow convince famed architect and fellow modernist Le Corbusier to take the lead on this ambitious endeavor. It was Le Corbusier who reunited with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret and brought him in to serve as his “man on the ground.” Le Corbusier and Jeanneret had previously worked on projects together (click HERE to learn about the iconic Le Corbusier furniture collection they created with Charlotte Perriand). The two cousins had a falling out during WW2 when Pierre Jeanneret joined the French Resistance, while Le Corbusier cozied up with the Nazis. Read more about that HERE.

The Le Corbusier Chandigarh plan was officially launched in 1951 and  Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry left the project after 3 years, due to other obligations.  Pierre Jeanneret set up residence in Chandigarh and took on the role of Chief Architect and Town Planning Adviser until he left in 1965.  That’s almost 14 years – well beyond the time he had originally planned on staying.

It was within these 14 years that Pierre Jeanneret, occasionally with others, designed much of the furniture that was used in the administrative buildings, residences, courts, and theaters. You can check out some of the rarer pieces HERE. I have hunted down all of the stools and benches that could find. Some perhaps you have encountered before, others will be brand new to you.  Enjoy! 

What Is An Authentic Jeanneret Chandigarh Piece?

Authentic, in the case of the Chandigarh pieces, would refer to something that was originally constructed and used in the Chandigarh project. The Chandigarh furniture plans were given to the local Panjab/N. India manufacturers who were given permission to alter design and materials based on their judgment. Therefore, two pieces manufactured in different studios could actually differ slightly in construction/design. There is no trademark for the designs (and the designs were frequently designed with or by designers other than Jeanneret), so the pieces manufactured today are “homages” to the original designs. Below are some examples of originals’ markings.

 There are a limited number of them out there and most of the originals out there have been either lost or destroyed. You would be purchasing a piece of history. 

How Much Do Pierre Jeanneret Chandigarh Stools and Benches Cost?

Well, it depends. If we are talking about “reproductions”, I have found one HERE for as little as $325. Not bad. If we are talking about the rare ones (such as the ones listed above), you can expect to find them at much higher prices. I found a low slatted teak stool HERE for almost $10k. Yes, 10K.  I found a reproduction bench for $850 HERE, and an original HERE for $25,000. Why such a variance in price? Age and provenance. The original ones (especially the ones with manufacturing markings) are a dying breed.

More Chandigarh Furniture

Stools and benches were just part of the furniture designed for the Chandigarh project. In addition there were chairs, sofas, desks, and many other types of pieces that were designed to fill the residences, classrooms, and administrative buildings in this ambitious “new city”. Click HERE to see some of my favorites.