A rare and iconic mid-century modern living room suite designed by Tim Bates for the esteemed British furniture manufacturer Pieff, this set epitomizes the refined elegance and avant-garde spirit of 1970s design. Originally conceived for the executive lounges of Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, the suite is a rare collector’s find, combining sophisticated aesthetics with functional luxury.
Design & Construction:
The suite is distinguished by its sculptural frames made from polished tubular chrome—an industrial material that reflects the futuristic design ethos of the mid-century period. Paired with deep, sumptuous black aniline leather upholstery, the pieces offer both visual impact and exceptional comfort. The leather, rich in character and patina, has been expertly tailored across each form to emphasize clean lines and minimalistic luxury.
Pirelli Diaphragm Suspension:
One of the defining technical features of this suite is its rare Pirelli diaphragm suspension system, a sophisticated base structure made from vulcanized rubber webbing. This design innovation—seldom seen outside of bespoke installations—provides superior support and elasticity, enhancing the ergonomic quality of each seating piece while extending its longevity. It was a feature specially developed for high-traffic environments like Charles de Gaulle Airport, making this suite as durable as it is stylish.
Suite Components:
•Three-Seater Sofa: Generously proportioned with low-slung lines, wide arms, and deep seating for ultimate relaxation.
•Two-Seater Sofa: Compact yet equally luxurious, ideal for smaller spaces or as a complementary piece.
•Armchair: A statement lounge chair with enveloping comfort, mirroring the sofas’ design.
•Footstool: A matching ottoman offering flexible use—perfect for lounging or as a supplemental seat.
•Tubular Chrome Coffee Table: Completing the suite, this matching table features a minimalist chrome frame and a glass or black lacquered top (variant dependent), echoing the suite’s architectural lines.
Provenance & Rarity:
Originally designed for the Charles de Gaulle airport in the 1970s, this suite was produced in limited numbers and is seldom found in such a complete configuration. The combination of Tim Bates’ design pedigree, Pieff’s high-end British craftsmanship, and the use of advanced materials like Pirelli webbing makes this a museum-worthy example of late-modernist furniture.
Style Note:
An ideal acquisition for collectors, design purists, or anyone seeking to anchor a contemporary interior with heritage-rich, sculptural furniture. This suite embodies the intersection of luxury, modernism, and comfort—true to Pieff’s legacy as “the Rolls-Royce of British furniture.”
Dimensions:
3 SEATER
HEIGHT  - 90cm
DEPTH - 100cm 
WIDTH - 220cm 
2 SEATER 
HEIGHT - 90cm
DEPTH - 100cm
WIDTH - 148cm 
ARM CHAIR
HEIGHT - 90cm 
DEPTH - 96cm
WIDTH - 92 
Condition Report:
Excellent condition, rubber webbing is immaculate and structurally sound, the chrome is beautifully preserved & highly polished, the leather is well preserved and has been blanket protected since new, there’s some minor wear to the leather on the arms, please refer to pics.