Early Model B19 Writing Desk in Elm by Pierre Chapo, France, 1970s-1980s

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About This Piece

Vintage Design

An early rare version of a B19 desk by Pierre Chapo in solid European elm, complete with its original return drawer block, with the rare feature of being completely finished with a solid elm back panel. Made in the late 1970s/early 1980s. The composition consists of two independent elements, the writing table and the drawer unit, which can be used in a variety of positions, as a basic L-shape, in a diagonal set-up or with the drawer block aligning straight with the table top. This flexibility allows the desk to adapt to different interiors while maintaining its architectural balance.The solid European elm displays a strong, expressive grain across the top and drawer block. Over time the wood has developed a deep patina, characteristic of early productions. The entire piece is executed in solid timber. Exposed mortise-and-tenon joints and signature key joints define the construction. These connections are structural, direct and integral to the design. The rear of the drawer block is fully finished in solid wood, a rare feature that allows the desk to stand freely in a room. Chapo often worked with proportional systems related to the golden ratio, which gives the desk its natural sense of harmony. Being influenced by Charlotte Perriand, Chapo shared a belief in clarity, material honesty and the integration of craft into modern life. In 1958 he opened his gallery in Paris, later establishing his workshop near Gordes in the south of France, where he produced furniture defined by solid wood construction and structural logic. A rare early example with return, executed entirely in solid elm.

Height to underside of the writing surface: 67,3 cm / 26,5 in

Writing table
Height 72 cm / 28,3 in
Width 140 cm / 55,1 in
Depth 70,5 cm / 27,8 in

Drawer unit
Height 64 cm / 25,2 in
Width 89,5 cm / 35,2 in
Depth 53 cm / 20,9 in

Leadtime
Short lead time, ready for immediate shipping

Condition
This early addition of the B19 desk is in good vintage condition, showing natural signs of age and wear. The surface of the drawers exhibits some lighter spots where the center tabletop sits and around the bottom of the legs; Very minor signs of age and use.We have consciously chosen to photograph all of our items in their current state to present the real original condition as completely as possible for transparency towards our clients.

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Creator	Pierre Chapo
Design Period	1970 to 1979
Production Period	1970 to 1979
Country of Manufacture	France
Identifying Marks	This piece has been attributed based on archival documentation, such as vintage catalogs, designer records, or other literature sources
Style	French, Vintage
Detailed Condition	Very Good — This vintage/antique item has no defects, but it may show slight traces of use.
Restoration and Damage Details	Light wear consistent with age and use, Patina consistent with age and use, Some lighter spots to drawers
Product Code	LBE-2519374
Material	Wood, Elm
Color	Brown
Width	166 cm 166 cm
Depth	106 cm 106 cm
Height	72 cm 72 cm
Weight Range	Heavy — Between 80kg and 150kg

Shipping & Delivery

Ships from	Netherlands
Returns	Returns accepted within fourteen days of delivery, except for Made-to-order items

Delivery Options

Front Door Delivery: (Included in Every Order)	A skilled driver will unload the item(s) from the delivery truck and bring it to your building’s doorstep. You will be responsible for further transport beyond that point. We recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand; alternatively, you may upgrade to In-Home Delivery (see below). The delivery partner will email and/or call you at least one day in advance to arrange a delivery time. A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection. Item will be left in its packaging after delivery. A signature will be required upon delivery.
In-Home Delivery: (For in-home delivery service, additional fees apply. Please get in touch)	A skilled driver or a team of two will bring your item(s) inside your home and place it in the immediate entryway. For unusually large or heavy items, we recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand, as we cannot send more than 2 drivers. The delivery partner will email and/or call you one day in advance to arrange a delivery time. A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection. Item will be left in its packaging after delivery. A signature will be required upon delivery.

Front Door Delivery:
(Included in Every Order)

A skilled driver will unload the item(s) from the delivery truck and bring it to your building’s doorstep. You will be responsible for further transport beyond that point. We recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand; alternatively, you may upgrade to In-Home Delivery (see below).
The delivery partner will email and/or call you at least one day in advance to arrange a delivery time.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

In-Home Delivery:
(For in-home delivery service, additional fees apply. Please get in touch)

A skilled driver or a team of two will bring your item(s) inside your home and place it in the immediate entryway. For unusually large or heavy items, we recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand, as we cannot send more than 2 drivers.
The delivery partner will email and/or call you one day in advance to arrange a delivery time.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

*Important Note

Please examine every order upon delivery. In the event that there are visible signs of damage or missing or incorrect pieces, please indicate the problem on the Delivery Note and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. A signed delivery receipt without notations of missing, damaged, or incorrect item(s) represents your acceptance of the complete order in perfect condition.

Sustainability

Carbon Neutral	For every purchase made, Pamono offsets 100% of estimated carbon emissions from global shipping.
Vintage	Choosing vintage and antique furniture reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on waste and reduces demand for new materials and extends the life of the products we use.

About the Creator

Pierre Chapo

French designer Pierre Chapo (1927-1987) was born into a family of craftsmen in Paris. Early on, Chapo had hopes of becoming a painter; however, after apprenticing with a navy carpenter, Chapo discovered a budding interest in architecture. Eventually, Chapo studied Architecture at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, graduating in 1958.

Shortly after graduating, Chapo travelled across Europe and the United States. Along the way, he visited the studio and home of American architect-designer Frank Lloyd Wright. Upon returning to France, Chapo established his own studio in Clamart and opened La Galerie Chapo in Paris. The gallery exhibited not only his own work but also designs by other artists, including ceramics, decorative objects, and lighting. The gallery, notably, represented the work of designer Isamu Noguchi, who shared a similar organic approach to design.

In 1960, Chapo received a Gold Medal from the city of Paris for the work he contributed to the exhibition Arts et techniques de l'artisanat.

Chapo was greatly inspired by French designers Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, as well as the Bauhaus. His modernist designs were heavily focused on craftsmanship, and his passion for wood can be seen in his seminal works like the S11 Chair (1960s), the T22 L’Oeil Coffee Table (1970s), the R08 Sideboard (c. 1960) and R16 Sideboard (c. 1967), and the S45 Chlacc Chair. One of Chapo’s first private commissions came from playwright Samuel Beckett. The Godot Bed (1965), which was crafted from French elm, was named after Beckett’s most well-known play, Waiting for Godot (1953).

In 1967, Chapo participated at the Salon des artistes decorateurs, winning the Bronze Medal for the Encouragement of Art and Industry. Later that same year, Chapo relocated to the small town of Gordes, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. In Gordes, he established a carpentry studio and continued his craft throughout the 1970s. During these years, he also lectured at various institutions in Europe and abroad.

In 1983, Chapo was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and passed away in 1987. Today, he is remembered for his exceptional pieces, which feature incredible attention to detail. His work today—especially the pieces which were special commissions—fetch high prices on the secondary market.