Metal and glasswork

Like everywhere else, the Chandigarhi workshops use screws, rails, knobs, hinges and various items of furniture hardware made of brass, rarely nickel-plated. A special place is reserved for aluminium, like the ventilation shutters made of folded and riveted sheets, shaped like an airplane wing and mounted on steel pivots at the ends, for ease of rotation and air flow regulation.

As far as lighting is concerned, some well-known examples are decorated with bell or diabolo type stamped reflectors. They come in various shades. For others, the use of aluminium devices inserted inside iron structures allows amplification of the light while countering the unfortunate consequences of heat intensification using a double protection effect.

These innovative lights were made in relatively brightly coloured versions. However, in metalwork, ferrous materials played most of the important roles. They were used in angle brackets, and brazed steel bars or tubes that could be matt, shiny or even chrome-plated at times.

Reflecting the research that was conducted in many different areas, there are a small number of original pieces in which iron has been used, particularly in the form of chain links, which were used exceptionally in some prototype chair designs. For a considerable number of tables and stools, the circular struts and finely crafted legs were available in rough metal or with a lacquered finish, in grey, black and several coloured variants.

Although they are characterised by an extremely understated look and a desire for a balance of pure and pared-down lines, these models were not intended to be primarily aesthetic but rather were designed to ensure the solidity, stability and sturdiness of the constructions. Occasionally you can find desks and units with panels or sliding doors made of glass, in the form of thick slabs or opaque glazing, as well as dressing tables with built-in mirrors. Available in a range identical to the famous “coffee table” range, these cheval mirrors were reserved for the most luxurious homes.

In the same vein, there are also sideboards, bookcases and other hybrid creations combining wood, folded sheet metal, welded flat iron strips and curved stems.  The imposing light-up tables belong to this category, as do the famous “Tree trunks”, comprising a table top cut from a tree trunk placed ascetically on top of simple bent iron legs. Also of interest are the cinema and theatre seats fastened together and to the ground by iron or brass clamps.

It should however be noted that these are extremely rare items given that almost all of the furniture produced was made of wood. And finally, as a side note, let us not forget the ductile cast iron manhole covers, moulded with a schematised relief map of Chandigarh city.