Canapé, fauteuil en stoel 1895

This print by Léon Laroche showcases designs for a canapé, armchair and chair – all described as 'bois recouverts', meaning 'covered wood'. The print provides a glimpse into furniture production where woodworking and upholstery converge, suggesting a collaboration between different craftspeople, each contributing specialized skills. The ornate floral decoration, and delicate pastel shades indicates that the furniture would have been destined for a wealthy customer, someone for whom luxury and comfort were paramount. What is most intriguing, though, is the ‘covering’ itself. The wood is merely a structure for the upholstery – layers of padding, fabric, and decorative trim. Consider the labor involved in each stage: the felling and milling of the wood, the construction of the frames, the weaving of the fabric, and the hand-sewing of the embellishments. Each step relies on specific skills and techniques, often passed down through generations. Seen in this light, the furniture represents the culmination of many processes, and the meeting point of different social classes. It prompts us to consider the value we place on both materials and the labor that transforms them.