French Cast-Glass + Patinated Iron Desk by Gilles Chabrier, 1992

$16,000.00

Forged in 1992, this sculptural desk by French artist and designer Gilles Chabrier captures the tension between weight and light, matter and translucency. The base, a band of patinated iron encircling inset glass blocks, rises with the strength of architecture. Resting above, a thick cast-glass top shimmers with a surface that recalls rippling water, frozen in time.

These traits are hallmarks of Chabrier’s work—he pushed furniture toward sculpture, aligning with the French art furniture movement that included artists like Garouste & Bonetti or Philippe Hiquily. His work is often described as poetic, organic, and architectural, with forged or welded iron bases paired with thick, textured glass tops that recall natural forms.

Active mainly in the late 20th century, his pieces are rare and often exist as custom commissions or limited series. They occupy a unique space where art, design, and material experimentation converge, carrying forward the spirit of French decorative innovation.

DIMENSIONS: 50"W x 30"D x 29"H

ADDITIONAL DIMENSIONS: Glass Top: 2"Thick at center, .75”Thick at edge

ORIGIN: France

PERIOD: 1990s

MATERIALS: Glass,Iron

CONDITION: Great vintage condition. The forged iron base shows natural patination and light surface wear consistent with age. The thick cast-glass top displays normal scuffs and surface scratches. Due to the weight of the glass, the base exhibits slight movement when the top is in place, though the piece remains stable and fully functional.

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French Cast-Glass + Patinated Iron Desk by Gilles Chabrier, 1992

Forged in 1992, this sculptural desk by French artist and designer Gilles Chabrier captures the tension between weight and light, matter and translucency. The base, a band of patinated iron encircling inset glass blocks, rises with the strength of architecture. Resting above, a thick cast-glass top shimmers with a surface that recalls rippling water, frozen in time.

These traits are hallmarks of Chabrier’s work—he pushed furniture toward sculpture, aligning with the French art furniture movement that included artists like Garouste & Bonetti or Philippe Hiquily. His work is often described as poetic, organic, and architectural, with forged or welded iron bases paired with thick, textured glass tops that recall natural forms.

Active mainly in the late 20th century, his pieces are rare and often exist as custom commissions or limited series. They occupy a unique space where art, design, and material experimentation converge, carrying forward the spirit of French decorative innovation.

Dimensions
Width: 50"
Depth: 30"
Height: 29"
Additional Dimensions: Glass Top: 2"Thick at center, .75”Thick at edge
Origin: France
Period: 1990s
Materials: Glass,Iron
Condition
Great vintage condition. The forged iron base shows natural patination and light surface wear consistent with age. The thick cast-glass top displays normal scuffs and surface scratches. Due to the weight of the glass, the base exhibits slight movement when the top is in place, though the piece remains stable and fully functional.

685 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 | southlooploft.com | (312) 291-8479