M52 armchair

Serge Chermayeff (1900–1986) for Cox & Co.

M52 armchair, c.1932

Tubular steel and Rexine

Sainsbury Centre 31328

The M52 armchair was designed by Serge Chermayeff for the BBC’s new headquarters in London, Broadcasting House. It was produced by Cox & Co. who, together with PEL, dominated the market for tubular steel furniture in Britain. Chermayeff’s design, with its elegant flared arms, was later copied and simplified for a range of chairs produced by PEL and used in Butlin’s holiday camps.