Born into a family of metal workers, Xavier Pauchard began his career creating zinc roofs and found himself on the forefront of innovation almost immediately. Cleverly submerging steel in molten zinc, Pauchard created a covering that could withstand even the harshest weather. Going on to found Tolix in 1927, Xavier Pauchard transformed a flourishing sheet-metal factory into producers of armchairs, stools and the iconic Tolix A Chair.

Finding its place in homes, schools, restaurants and offices, Xavier Pauchard’s instantly recognisable A Chair even filled the aisles of the 1937 International Exposition in Paris. Expertly crafted using sheet metal, the Tolix A Chair is renowned for its vivid colours and unparalleled lightness. Held in the permanent collections of the Vitra Design Museum, New York’s MoMA and the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Tolix A Chair is a true design icon.

A classic of vernacular French style and widely considered the 2CV of furniture, this powder-coated steel stacking chair has been manufactured in Burgundy since 1934.

Designed by artisan zinc-worker Xavier Pauchard, the prototype was made with tin snips and rough welding. The original was supplied to cafés and brasseries by drinks manufacturers anxious to secure customer loyalty.

Crafted from sheet metal, this design is unequalled in foolproof solidity, lightness and easy maintenance.

With its highly sought-after industrial aesthetic, this design is finished with ‘Tolix’ stamped into the back of the seat for authenticity, the ‘X’ for Xavier indicates it was his first design.