1950s Embru-Werke Le Corbusier Model 2072 Chaise Lounge for Wohnbedarf (Lc4, B306)

Details

Description

Original 1950s Le Corbusier Chaise Longue - Embru for Wohnbedarf Model 2072 - Rare Swiss Survivor - Incredible Provenance

Designers: … Read more Original 1950s Le Corbusier Chaise Longue - Embru for Wohnbedarf Model 2072 - Rare Swiss Survivor - Incredible Provenance

Designers: Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand
Manufacturer: Embru-Werke AG for Wohnbedarf (Zürich)
Period: 1950s (Early licensed Swiss production)
Provenance: Originally collected by well known art collector and MoMA Trustee -- purchased from estate. Details shared privately upon request to respect the estate.

______

The Ultimate Collector’s Survivor Piece

Available for acquisition is an exceptionally rare, museum-quality iteration of the "relaxing machine." While the world now knows this design as the Cassina LC4, this specific piece is the Swiss Model 2072, manufactured in the 1950s by Embru-Werke for the legendary firm Wohnbedarf.

Embru was among the first companies globally to be officially licensed by Le Corbusier (dating back to 1933). This 1950s "Second Series" 2072 is highly coveted for its industrial "honesty" and Swiss precision—capturing the design's soul before it was transitioned to mass production in 1964.

While the LC4 is a staple of modern design, mid-century 2072 Embru productions are vanishingly rare. Finding one in this state—entirely original and unrestored—is a unique opportunity for a serious collector.

Historical Significance
The Embru/Wohnbedarf era represents a pivotal moment in design history. These pieces were produced with Swiss precision and retain the architectural integrity of the original 1928 vision. Unlike later mass-produced versions, the Embru execution features distinct proportions and hardware that signify its early provenance.

Historical Background: From the B306 to the LC4
The journey of the "relaxing machine" is one of the most storied in 20th-century design. While the chair was famously co-designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand, its commercial life was far from linear.

The First License: The 1930s Pioneers
In 1933, just a few years after the chaise’s debut at the Salon d’Automne, the Swiss manufacturer Embru-Werke AG became one of the first companies in the world to be officially licensed to produce Le Corbusier’s furniture.

During this era, the founders of the legendary Swiss design house Wohnbedarf (Sigfried Giedion, Werner Max Moser, and Rudolf Graber) recognized that Thonet’s production was limited and expensive. They turned to Embru to create a Swiss-made version—then known as the Model 2072—to bring these "machines for living" to the Swiss architectural elite. These 1930s Embru pieces are so rare they are almost exclusively found in museum archives today.

The Post-War Relaunch: The 1950s "Wohnbedarf" Edition
After production was halted by the war, Wohnbedarf and Embru resumed their partnership in the early 1950s. This 1950s "Second Series" of the Model 2072 is what you have here.

This version is highly coveted by collectors because it retains the exact industrial specifications and "heavy-duty" build quality of the 1930s originals—long before the design was slightly modified for mass production by Cassina in the mid-1960s.

Historical Timeline of the Chaise:
- 1. The Thonet Era (The B306)
Originally debuted at the 1929 Salon d’Automne in Paris, the chair was first put into limited production by Thonet under the model name B306. These early versions were avant-garde and expensive to produce; consequently, very few were made before production largely ceased during the lead-up to World War II.
- 1a. Embru-Werke 1930s production

2. Embru & Wohnbedarf (The 2072 Second Series) Post-war Production 1950s

3. The Cassina Era (The LC4) 1964-present

_____

Comprehensive Condition Report:
This 1950s Embru-Werke Model 2072 is a "survivor" in the truest sense. It has been preserved in a climate-controlled environment, allowing it to age with grace while remaining 100% structurally sound and ready for immediate daily use.

The "Cradle" (Upper Seat Frame)
The actual chair frame—the iconic curved tubular structure that supports the user—is in exceptional, near-perfect condition. * Structural Integrity: The frame is perfectly aligned and retains its original geometric tension. There are no bends, dents, or compromised welds.

- Finish: The finish is remarkably vibrant, showing virtually no signs of the pitting or oxidation commonly found on pieces of this vintage. It presents as a nearly new element, highlighting the superior Swiss manufacturing of the Embru factory.

The H-Base (Support Pedestal)
The black-lacquered steel base is in excellent solid condition.

- Authentic Patina: To maintain its historical integrity, the original black lacquer has been left untouched. It shows some minor, honest flaking in a few discrete spots, which serves as a "fingerprint" of its 70-year history.

- Stability: The base is rock-solid with no wobbling or structural fatigue. It provides a smooth, secure foundation for the cradle to glide and rest. It is perfectly level and unbent.

Original 1950s Upholstery & Cowhide
The original black cowhide is the soul of this piece. It features a beautiful, soft sheen and a rich patina that only decades of use can create. Unlike modern reissues, this hide has "character" and a supple feel. It shows minor wear consistent with its age and use, but remains strong and visually stunning.

- The Pillow: The original black leather headrest is included. It shows a few light surface scrapes (see photos) but is free from deep cracks or tears.

- Tensioning & Hardware: The original steel tensioning springs and grommets are in museum-quality condition. They are free from rust, corrosion, or loss of tension, ensuring the "floating" comfort Le Corbusier intended.

Length (Width): 63 inches (160 cm)
Width (Depth of Seat): 21 inches (53 cm)
Maximum Height: 27 inches (68 cm)

There are no makers marks or remaining stickers/identifiers as expected.

Ready to Enjoy
This is not a project piece or a fragile museum relic that cannot be touched. It has been thoroughly inspected and is fully functional and ready to be lived in. Whether for a high-end residence or a curated gallery, it offers the rare combination of investment-grade provenance and everyday utility. See less