Aralia Lounge Sofa - Michel Ducaroy - Ligne Roset

Aralia Lounge Chair in Original Liberty of London Fabric – Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1981

An exceptionally preserved Aralia lounge chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, retaining its original 1981 brown Liberty of London floral upholstery and period foam construction.

Designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, the Aralia belongs to the remarkable generation of low, sculptural seating that defined the French manufacturer's radical approach to comfort during the 1970s and early 1980s. Its generous proportions, deeply channelled upholstery and enveloping silhouette create an unmistakably relaxed form, closely connected to Ducaroy's exploration of frameless, foam-based furniture.

This example was produced in 1981 and remains in an exceptionally complete original state. Most distinctive is its original brown Liberty of London floral upholstery, a period textile offered by Ligne Roset across selected designs during this era. The dense floral composition combines chocolate brown, rust, ochre, muted green and cream, creating a particularly rich expression of the late-1970s and early-1980s aesthetic. Both the Aralia model and this original Liberty upholstery have long since been discontinued.

Equally important is what remains underneath the fabric. The chair retains its original period polyurethane/polyether foam construction, documented by the internal 1981 marking. Remarkably, after more than four decades, the foam remains supple, resilient and highly supportive. It preserves the chair's sculptural volume while providing the exceptionally deep and enveloping comfort for which Ducaroy's early all-foam seating became renowned.

The combination of a discontinued Ducaroy design, genuine period Liberty of London upholstery, original Ligne Roset label, documented 1981 production and exceptionally preserved original foam makes this a particularly compelling example for collectors seeking originality rather than later restoration.

Condition

The lounge chair remains in exceptionally well-preserved original vintage condition. The original Liberty of London upholstery shows only light wear to the seating area and gentle age-related fading, while retaining its rich brown colour palette and floral character throughout. The original foam remains remarkably supple, resilient and supportive, with excellent seating comfort and a beautifully preserved overall form. No reupholstery or replacement of the original foam has been carried out. Please refer to the detailed photographs for an accurate representation of the condition.