Dear Monsieur Pauchard,

Never has one felt so enamoured by the cool touch of galvanised steel against the buttocks, the smooth and refined form of the backrest titillating the spine with soft ridges of sheet metal. When I settle and rest my weary feet nothing compares to the slender touch of the ‘Model A’. ’twas the twilight of the Great War you settled in Burgundy and revolutionised galvanisation, applying that touch of zinc and what you’d learnt to the creation of what was to become (although you were not aware at the time, dear Xavier) the perfect bistro chair.

Through you the Tolix was conceived. It was the robust form, stackable and ever-so rustproof frame that swiftly took me to the sidewalk of an idyllic village bistro in Provence. At the time I was unaware it was the French brewers of ale that gifted the brassieres and cafés the sleek seat in exchange for pouring their product, but I thank them.

Your crowning achievement, on show in collections housed under the roofs Vitra Design Museum (Heaven), MOMA (Valhalla) and Pompidou Centre (Mecca) was thankfully revived after production ceased in the 1970’s. One can’t strut down Bourke or Crown St without being seduced by its sensual shape. The evolution in the form of low-stool, armchair, bar-stool, table and bench was genius however one thing endangers its breathtaking beauty, the cult of the fake.

Over a century past, and the replica industry muddies your good name. They fabricate the Tolix shape with inferior materials and put them out to market. It upsets me to reveal that whilst typing your name into a search field the words ‘replica’ materialise and taunt the tasteful elite. Only one detail stands against them, the Tolix name ever so carefully embossed into the seat, proudly bearing the namesake you gave to its design.

Oh Xavier, forever I will covet thee and incorporate your good taste into my plans, designs and dreaming. You are an industrial ideal, just perfect for the idiosyncratic décor of my lounge, dining, deck and bedroom. Remain strong and sound, your legend lives on.

Your devoted,

Mason Browne

Tolix, a registered trademark is exclusively distributed throughout Australia by Thonet.
Images Courtesy Tolix website and bertrand-benoit.com.