SURREALIST FURNITURE

During the 1930's, Dalí developed a friendship with Jean-Michel Frank, a renowned Parisian furniture-maker and decorator of the time. Together they collaborated on several ideas, transforming everyday practical objects into ones of indeterminate use. The culmination of which was a Surreal Room which was originally laid out in the London home of Dalí's great patron, Edward James.

The famous artwork Mae West Lips Sofa was constructed in Paris in 1936 for the first time, under Dalí's supervision, based on his original sketch. The upholstery fabric was in Elsa Schiapparelli's "shocking pink". Such is the popularity of this piece of furniture, that it has become instantly recognisable and has been copied many times since by mainstream furniture-makers.

The collection includes, the Bracelli Lamp, the Cajones Lamp and the Muletas Lamp, with their twisted, languid and almost tortured geometric forms which are so characteristic of Dalí’s figuration. The Leda Armchair and Leda Coffee Table, so heavy and hard to move, contrast with the slender curved arms and legs in all their feminine and expressive form.