Pierre Chapo L01 “Godot” Daybed, 1959
Description
Pierre Chapo L01 “Godot” Daybed, wood and ivory velvet, France, 1959
Designed in 1959 by Pierre Chapo, the L01 “Godot” daybed exemplifies the French designer’s distinctive fusion of rationalist structure and artisanal craftsmanship. Its solid elmwood frame showcases Chapo’s mastery of joinery, particularly in the signature 48x72 inclined leg system—both a structural solution and an aesthetic statement. The frame is precisely built with exposed mortise-and-tenon joints, reflecting Chapo’s reverence for traditional woodworking infused with modernist logic.
The seat platform rests on a robust stretcher construction, creating a sense of grounded solidity. A removable mattress in natural canvas or leather (available in various editions) floats atop the frame, offering a tactile contrast to the architectural purity of the wood. With its geometric clarity and essential materiality, the “Godot” sits at the intersection of utility and sculpture—an iconic example of French postwar design.
Pierre Chapo (1927–1987) was a French designer trained in architecture and deeply influenced by Le Corbusier and Bauhaus principles. His work, often compared to that of Charlotte Perriand or Jean Prouvé, is celebrated for its structural innovation and the honest beauty of solid wood. The “Godot” daybed remains one of his most emblematic designs, combining proportion, function, and poetic minimalism.
Dimensions
Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)
Width: 29.72 in (75.5 cm)
Depth: 76.97 in (195.5 cm)
Design
1959
Manufacture
1950-1959
Material
Wood and velvet
Condition
Our atelier carefully restored and reupholstered it. Slight signs of use and time.