The epitome of French cafe life, it's rumored that Xavier Pauchard's Marais A Chair (1934) was created for use in the weather forecasting room on a battleship. We asked the manufacturer about this, but even their records are unclear. Still, we do know that after its possible time at sea, the Marais was supplied to bars and brasseries by breweries in exchange for selling their beer. This arrangement ended in the 1970s, but that didn't stop the demand for these durable chairs and stools made in France. Crafted of sheet steel, the Marais A is available in varnished gunmetal grey. Slight surface abrasions and markings are characteristic of the material and part of its hardworking machine aesthetic. Rubber feet prevent damage to floors. The Marais Collection includes the A56 Chair, designed by Pauchard's son in 1956. These pieces will stand up to the rigors of public use, but should be protected from wet weather conditions to maintain the finish.