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The Djinn chair is an important design of the "Modernist" style. It was created by French designer Olivier Mourgue. Originally called the "Low fireside chair", it is also commonly referred to as the "2001" chair, because of its prominent appearance in the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" ].

History

The Djinn chair is actually one element of a series of Djinn furniture designed by noted French designer Olivier Mourgue. In 1964 the first piece of the series, a chaise lounge, was introduced by Airborne in Merignac Cedex, France. The rest of the series was released in 1965, and includes the iconic "Low fireside chair", a two seat sofa, and a foot stool. The set remained in production until 1976.

The name "Djinn" refers to an Islamic spirit capable of changing shape. The design's low profile was an attempt to emulate the informal lifestyle of the time. The set was introduced during a time when growing interest in Eastern mysticism was influencing Western decorative arts.

Survivors

The streach jersey covering used for the Djinn series did not wear well. Worse yet, the polyether foam used in construction of Djinn chairs has a tendency to degrade over time, causing the pieces to become unusable. "Things should have a short life," Mr. Mourgue said in 1965, when he was 26.

Djinn chairs were sold worldwide, and in Europe they have become valuable designer collectibles. Values in Europe remain varied depending on condition, with professionally restored chairs selling for $1,000 or more, and sofas for more than $1,800. Original, unrestored pieces should be approached with caution, and care taken to inspect the condition of their foam padding. In the United States the chairs remain largely forgotten, and little effort at restoration has occurred. Values in the U.S. are highly varied, and the pieces are rarely visible for sale except at high-profile auctions. Because of their association with the film "2001", pieces in red are considered more desirable, and values are accordingly higher.

• A 1964-1965 green Djinn Chaise Longue is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. It was donated by George Tanier, Inc. in 1966 ]

References

1. Fiell, Charlotte (2005). 1,000 Chairs (Taschen 25). Taschen. ISBN 978-3822841037.
2. Habegger, Jerryll (2005). Sourcebook of Modern Furniture (Third Edition). New York, New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-73170-7.
3. Habegger, Jerryll (2005). Sourcebook of Modern Furniture (Third Edition). New York, New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-73170-7.
4. Fiell, Charlotte (2005). 1,000 Chairs (Taschen 25). Taschen. ISBN 978-3822841037.
5. Habegger, Jerryll (2005). Sourcebook of Modern Furniture (Third Edition). New York, New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-73170-7.
6. Habegger, Jerryll (2005). Sourcebook of Modern Furniture (Third Edition). New York, New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-73170-7.
7. Habegger, Jerryll (2005). Sourcebook of Modern Furniture (Third Edition). New York, New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-73170-7.
8. Habegger, Jerryll (2005). Sourcebook of Modern Furniture (Third Edition). New York, New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-73170-7.
9. Fiell, Charlotte (2005). 1,000 Chairs (Taschen 25). Taschen. ISBN 978-3822841037.
10. Fiell, Charlotte (2005). 1,000 Chairs (Taschen 25). Taschen. ISBN 978-3822841037.
11. Fiell, Charlotte (2005). 1,000 Chairs (Taschen 25). Taschen. ISBN 978-3822841037.
12. Patton, Phil (February 19, 1998). "Public Eye; 30 Years After '2001': A Furniture Odyssey". NY Times. Retrieved March 01, 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
13. Patton, Phil (February 19, 1998). "Public Eye; 30 Years After '2001': A Furniture Odyssey". NY Times. Retrieved March 01, 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
14. Patton, Phil (February 19, 1998). "Public Eye; 30 Years After '2001': A Furniture Odyssey". NY Times. Retrieved March 01, 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
15. Patton, Phil (February 19, 1998). "Public Eye; 30 Years After '2001': A Furniture Odyssey". NY Times. Retrieved March 01, 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
16. Patton, Phil (February 19, 1998). "Public Eye; 30 Years After '2001': A Furniture Odyssey". NY Times. Retrieved March 01, 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
17. Patton, Phil (February 19, 1998). "Public Eye; 30 Years After '2001': A Furniture Odyssey". NY Times. Retrieved March 01, 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)

• Fiell, Charlotte (2005). 1,000 Chairs (Taschen 25). Taschen. ISBN 978-3822841037.
• Habegger, Jerryll (2005). Sourcebook of Modern Furniture (Third Edition). New York, New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-73170-7.

• Chairs
• History of furniture
• Modernism