It’s true — the colorful, sinuous Tongue chair looks just like its namesake. The Tongue’s designer, Pierre Paulin (1927–2009), had a knack for envisioning quirky sculptural chairs, like his Orange Slice chair (1960) and Ribbon chair (1966). Born in Paris, Paulin grew up under the influence of his uncle, automobile designer Georges Paulin, who invented the first mechanical retractable hardtop convertible. Design, it would seem, was in his blood.
After Paulin failed to meet the French national academic qualifications to attend school at the university level, he pursued ceramics and stone carving but ultimately enrolled in the École Camondo in Paris and then went on to work for the Gascoin Company in Le Havre. His interest in nontraditional chairs became apparent in 1954 while he was working for Thonet — there, he began to experiment with stretching swimwear over chair frames. But his creativity peaked in his collaborations with Dutch manufacturer Artifort. In 1960, he designed his first project for the brand: his signature Mushroom lounge chair, a round armchair blanketed in a single piece of fabric that Paulin stretched over its entire frame.
“I considered the manufacture of chairs to be rather primitive, and I was trying to think up new processes,” Paulin recalled in a 2008 interview. “At Artifort, I started using new foam and rubber from Italy and a light metallic frame, combined with ‘stretch’ material.”
The designer wanted to appeal to the antiestablishment, Pop Art–inspired lifestyle of young people, creating chairs with comfortable, low-slung shapes in bold colors. Crafted from a metal frame enshrouded in foam padding and elastic fabric, the 1967 Tongue chair epitomizes that goal with its evocative, legless form that keeps its occupant lounging near the ground, a vast departure from formal chairs that require good posture.
Paulin expanded his repertoire far beyond chairs, designing the Denon Wing of the Louvre and decorating French President Georges Pompidou’s apartment in the Élysée Palace, both in Paris. But his legacy with chairs remains strong. Today, Artifort still manufactures Paulin’s Tongue chair, and, in fact, it continues to produce a number of the designer’s works from the 1960s and 1970s, many of which have been incorporated into the permanent collections of art and design museums around the world.
Model "577" Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, The Netherlands 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Utrecht, NL
Artifort was founded in 1890, when Jules Wagemans started a business as an upholsterer in Maastricht. A great deal changed with the arrival of the interior and furniture designer Kho...
Metal
$6,220 / item
Tongue Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Toronto, ON
The "Tongue" lounge chair, part of the 1st edition by Pierre Paulin and produced in the 1960s by Artifort in the Netherlands, stands out for its unique features. This design icon, re...
Fabric
Pierre Paulin, 557 or Tongue Chair, Artifort, 1967, free color choice
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
An astonishingly comfortable Tongue chair, designed by French designer Pierre Paulin in the 1960s and produced by the renowned high-end seating manufacturer Artifort. The chair has ...
Metal
Pierre Paulin, 557 or Tongue Chairs, Artifort, 1967, free color choice
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
An astonishingly comfortable Tongue chair, designed by French designer Pierre Paulin in the 1960s and produced by the renowned high-end seating manufacturer Artifort. The chair has ...
Metal
Space Age Model 557 Tongue Lounge Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, set of 2
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Izegem, VWV
Model 557 or the "Tongue" low lounge chair created in 1967 by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort in the Netherlands, stands out for its unique features. This design icon resemble...
Wool, Foam
$1,668Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 25.2 in D 22.84 in
Artifort Pierre Paulin Little Tulip Swivel Chair in STOCK
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
upholstered in vidar 0554 - cat. FF base: p33 grey beige ral 1019 The Tulip midi was the missing member of the Tulip family for a long time. The armchair was designed by Pierre Pa...
Fabric
Mid Century Pierre Paulin F557 Swivel Lounge Chairs for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Paulin F557 Swivel Mid Century Lounge Chairs. Pierre Paulin Swivel chairs F557 in original condition, all original fabric. These ar...
Fabric
$14,850 / set
H 32 in W 37.75 in D 33 in
Pair Swivel Lounge Chairs Model 421 by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1970s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Pierre Paulin lounge chairs model 421 made by Artifort, circa 1970. Both chairs are in very good condition and ready to use. The swivel mechanism works perfectly. Rare and fi...
Chrome
Pierre Paulin F444 Lounge Chair Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The F444 chair by Pierre Paulin is a true design classic. With its metal frame and saddle leather seat, it has a strong and elegant look. This is an early edition of the chair, makin...
Metal
F555 Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare F555 model, designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the 60's. Just upholstered with new foam and lovely high quality 100% wool fabric. The chair is ...
Metal
$5,102
H 24.41 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Tongue Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing and very comfortable Tongue chair, designed by the French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60s and produced by Artifort. This lovely chair has the original high quality Kvad...
Fabric, Foam
$5,795 / set
H 23.5 in W 32.25 in D 28.25 in
1970s Pierre Paulin for Artifort F303 Lounge Chair, a Pair
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of Model F 303 chairs by legendary French furniture designer Pierre Paulin for Artifort, circa the 1970s. This stunning pair showcases a hard polyurethane molded shell, clear leg glides and a newly reupholstered seat. This low-slung chair...
Fabric, Plastic
$12,900
H 27.75 in W 38 in D 30 in
Pierre Paulin, Ribbon Chair, Fabric, Wood, Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in High Point, NC
A lacquered wood and graphic printed fabric Ribbon Chair designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, 1960s. Originally sourced from Turner Limited, 305 East 63...
Fabric, Wood
$9,286 / set
H 31.89 in W 34.26 in D 30.71 in
Set of 2 F557 Lounge Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely and very comfortable lounge chair set, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1961. This model F557 is the first edition of the Oyster Chair and is shortly produced (till 1965), that's...
Metal
Customizable Artifort Big Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A design that is so clearly Artifort as the mushroom is something that’s dear to our hearts. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colours and revolutionary manufacturing technique for the time. The idea for the mushroom came to Pierre Paulin while he was watching women, shaped and sheathed in their swimming suits. He wanted the same thing for a seat. The inspiration can be found in the beautiful curves as well as in the seamless one-piece elastic fabric. The mushroom is the first piece of furniture that is manufactured with an seamless one-piece elastic cover method. Its original shape will mark the furniture of the 60s by inspiring many other creations with sculptural forms. Today, the seat is part of the permanent collection of MoMa (The Museum of Modern Art in New York). The round shapes and comfortable padding are a perfect match with bright colours for an original and trendy effect. This iconic armchair was once launched as the F562, and has been re-launched as big mushroom...
Textile
$4,765
H 26.38 in W 33.47 in D 29.53 in
French Design Classic Pierre Paulin for Artifort Mushroom Lounge Chair
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Renens, CH
Pierre Paulin was a Paris-born French designer, who created his best known pieces in cooperation with Artifort (The Netherlands). Famous are the Tongue, Ribbon or the Mushroom Chair,...
Fabric, Foam
Customizable Artifort Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
The Mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colors and revolutionar...
Textile
Sold
H 24.81 in W 31.89 in D 38.19 in
Pair of Pierre Paulin "577" Lounge Chairs for Artifort, The Netherlands 1967
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Utrecht, NL
Artifort was founded in 1890, when Jules Wagemans started a business as an upholsterer in Maastricht. A great deal changed with the arrival of the interior and furniture designer Kho...
Fabric, Bouclé
Sold
H 25.2 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Magenta red Pierre Paulin tongue side chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort 1967
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Playful Pierre Paulin tongue chair covered in a bright red fabric with a magenta touch. It was designed in 1967 and produced by Artifort, an expressive and timeless design that was i...
Metal
Sold
H 25.2 in W 35.44 in D 37.01 in
1st Edition Pierre Paulin "Tongue" Lounge Chair in Pierre Frey, Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Hitchin, England
A 1st edition Pierre Paulin Tongue lounge chair produced in the 1960s by Artifort, Netherlands. Newly upholstered in fluffy wool, mohair, and alpaca fabric by Pierre Frey. French ...
Metal
Tongue Chair "Model F577" by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Tongue chair "Model F577" by Pierre Paulin reupholstered in grey boucle.
Bouclé
Red Tongue Chair F577 by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Pierre Paulin, master of organic design, designed the Tongue in 1963. It was manufactured by Artifort since 1967. This authentic Tongue chair dates from the late 1960s. It is in goo...
Fabric
Pierre Paulin First Edition Tongue Chair, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb 1st Edition Pierre Paulin Tongue chair, made by Artifort in the Netherlands, 1960s. Expertly reupholstered in Lelievre Lama Naturel boucle wool. Fast shipping worldwide. ...
Fabric
Sold
H 24.81 in W 34.26 in D 35.04 in
1st Edition Pierre Paulin "Tongue" Lounge Chair in Pierre Frey, Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Hitchin, England
A 1st edition Pierre Paulin Tongue lounge chair produced in the 1960s by Artifort, Netherlands. Newly upholstered in fluffy wool, mohair, and alpaca fabric by Pierre Frey. French ...
Metal
Pierre Paulin Tongue Chair Model F577 in Black Tonus for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Miami, FL
Original 1960s Pierre Paulin Tongue chair manufactured by Artifort. The lounge chair has been restored and newly upholstered in black (# 069...
Steel
Sold
H 24.41 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mid Century Tongue Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing and very comfortable Tongue chair, designed by the French designer Pierre Paulin in the 60s and produced by Artifort. The chair is completely restored by a French Pierre Paul...
Fabric
Sold
H 24.81 in W 34.26 in D 35.04 in
1st Edition Pierre Paulin "Tongue" Lounge Chair in Pierre Frey, Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Hitchin, England
1st Edition Pierre Paulin Tongue lounge chair in Pierre Frey, Artifort, 1960s. A highly in-demand Pierre Paulin Model F598 "Groovy" lounge chair newly upholstered in fluffy wool, ...
Metal
Sold
H 25.2 in W 33.47 in L 25.2 in
'Tongue' Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The 'Tongue' chair is where art and design meet. This sculptural design was made in 1967 by French designer Pierre Paulin for the company of Artifort. This model is one of the famou...
Fabric
Pierre Paulin Early F577 Tongue Chair, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Iconic F577 tongue chair designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in the 1960s. Early edition reupholstered in Pierre Frey Bouclette.
Metal
