On October 26th, Patrick Parrish Gallery is pleased to host the book launch and accompanying furniture exhibition for George Gilpin’s Object Chandigarh, a pictorial history documenting the raw details of furniture designed by Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier for the city of Chandigarh, India.

In 1953, Chandigarh was envisioned as a utopian capital for India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Nehru. This transformative endeavor harnessed the brilliance of French designer Le Corbusier, who oversaw the city's architectural plan. Simultaneously, Le Corbusier's cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, embarked on a remarkable collaboration to design unique pieces of furniture tailored to Chandigarh's environment. These furnishings were brought to life by local craftsmen, each interpreting construction differently, resulting in distinct variations, all meticulously crafted with hand tools. The stenciled markings on some pieces bear testament to this history.

“I became obsessed with the woodwork and venerated these details, searching for construction differences,” notes Gilpin, a renowned NYC design dealer. “The original finishes, worn by the sun and elements, also bear the imprint of the people who lived with these furnishings. I formed ideas about what designs felt more elevated than others but eventually determined it was largely subjective. Each piece of furniture holds its own experience and develops unique marks, alterations, and colorations.”

Today, Chandigarh's architectural marvels and furniture designs are celebrated as integral elements of one of the world's most significant architectural cities. Object Chandigarh is a remarkable collection of furniture examples designed for this modernist city, where the patina speaks of stories, and the condition reflects a life lived.

The book launch will be held on October 26th from 6 to 8 pm, where exclusive signed and numbered copies will be available, and the furniture exhibition will be on view through November 22nd.

Copies of Object Chandigarh are available for purchase in our website shop.