As a child born in Cuba, furniture designer Clara Porset (1895 – 1981) led a most unusual life. Aided by her wealthy family, she was able to travel abroad, studying and working in Paris, New York, and Mexico.

Porset worked with some of the finest designers of her time, including Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius and artists Joseph and Anni Albers. She attended the most well-known schools of art and architecture in the Western world.

After completing her studies in architecture and furniture design, Porset returned to Cuba briefly, but she left in 1935 due to her outspoken political views. She spent the majority of her years in Mexico, where she married painter Xavier Guerrero.

While she designed many products, including the E-series and H-series of office furniture for Mexican brand Ruiz Galindo Industries, Porset is well-known for her chairs. Chairs have always occupied a special niche in the lives of both famous and ordinary people. From the thrones of kings to the rocking chairs of grandpas, people often claim a chair as their very own—Porset claimed the chair for everyone.

Butaque, 1957

Porset’s chairs incorporated native materials commonly used in Mexico: wood, woven grasses, and leather (Butaque combines laminated wood and woven wicker). Her designs reflect the fluidity of Mexican life and the importance of relaxation and conviviality. Complementary curves form the structure of her work, with little or no ornamentation to distract from the basic design.

Sillon en Mimbre (Wicker Lounge Chair)

She used the simplicity of her designs to emphasize the importance of comfort for all people, not just the wealthy.

Totonaca Suite, Low Chair, 1959

Porset taught at the industrial design program at the Escuela Nacional de Arquitectura (now part of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM) for much of her life. The Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes recognized Porset as a pioneer of modern Mexican design, awarding her a Gold Medal in 1971.