After training to be an
architect in London, René Herbst settled in Paris and opened an
architecture office and manufacturing company in 1919. The years that
followed were known as the elastic steel tube's furniture years. This
is when Herbst came up with the design for his chair made by roping
elastic laces. He was one of the original designers to begin
experimenting with these types of materials. This, in turn, earned him
the nickname “man of steel”.
In order to counter the excess of the Art Deco style, Herbst helped
found the UAM (Union des Artistes Modernes) in 1930. His furniture for
Begum Aga Khan was the most important work for Herbst. They helped him
realize what quality was about. He was one of the most prominent French
modernist of his time.






