Vitra Girard Bird, 1945

Girard Bird by Alexander Girard for Vitra.

In the mid-1940s, the American designer Alexander Girard produced a series of experimental abstract sculptures made from various materials.

The sculptures were presented in the July 1945 issue of the American magazine ‘Arts & Architecture’, and included the Girard bird, a hand-carved avian figure made initially from the wood of an apple tree.

Vitra has worked closely with the Girard family to bring this charming figurine back to life in solid maple wood sourced in France. Though its bird-like features have been reduced to a minimum, the Girard Bird is easily recognisable as a member of the avian family. The archaic-looking figure can stand on its feet or tail and makes a great addition to any home. Utilise it as a decorative object, or pair two together on their tails to make a set of bookends.

The original wooden bird is held at the Vitra Design Museum as part of the Girard Archive.