Pair of Upholstered Club Chairs, Czechoslovakia 1970s
Pair of Upholstered Club Chairs, Czechoslovakia 1970s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Amidst the tumultuous political landscape of 1970s Czechoslovakia, designers demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite the constraints imposed by the era, they managed to create innovative and functional pieces that embodied the principles of modernism. These club chairs, initially housed in the iconic RTVS program building - completed in 1975 - stand as clear visual icons to this creative spirit. The building's modernist style, innovative use of materials and structure likely influenced contemporary furniture designs, including these chairs. The chairs' design language, with its emphasis on clean lines, functional spaces, and modern aesthetics, echoes the architectural style of the building.
This pair of club chairs from the 1970s are a captivating embodiment of geometric modernist design. Each chair features a cylindrical base with a circular seat, creating a robust foundation. The backrest and armrests - designed as a single, unified piece - form a semi-enclosed structure that envelops the sitter. This design juxtaposes sharp lines and right angles with the soft, rounded seat and premium fabric, creating a visually intriguing and inviting appearance. These chairs are upholstered in a light, plush fabric, adding comfort and sophistication to the bold, rigid form. The chairs' minimalist aesthetic, with its clean lines and lack of excessive decoration, reflects the modernist principles prevalent in Czechoslovakian design. The designers of the era, such as Jindřich Halabala, Miroslav Navrátil, and Karel Kozelka, were renowned for their ability to blend modernism with traditional craftsmanship, often using materials like wood, metal, and textiles to create elegant and versatile pieces easily recognisable within today’s design landscape.
The unique fusion of modernist minimalism and traditional craftsmanship in these club chairs not only gives them their distinctive geometric forms, but also makes them a symbol of an era. They embody the innovative spirit of Czech designers during a transformative period in Central European design history. The RTVS, once the tallest building in the former Czechoslovakia, now stands unused and preserved. The design of these chairs is embedded with the RTVS building and Czech history, broadly fused with a timeless aesthetic - a testament to the era's design legacy, serving as a tangible link to the past.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium alpaca blend fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.33 in W x 27.76 in D x 25.20 in H; Seat height 16.34 in; Seat depth 21.65 in
74.5 cm W x 70.5 cm D x 64 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm; Seat depth 55 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Belgian Brutalist furniture design in the 20th century mirrored the country's complex cultural and political tapestry. Nestled between the influences of neighbouring European design powerhouses, Belgian designers carved a distinctive niche that blended functionality with an uncompromising commitment to artistic expression.
The Brutalist movement, though often associated with architecture, influenced furniture makers who explored volume, geometry, and materials to create designs that were both functional and sculptural. Emerging during the mid-twentieth century, the movement favoured solid timber, bold proportions, and exposed joinery, allowing the inherent qualities of the mediums to shape the final design. These benches are distinguished by their commanding simplicity. Broad solid oak planks form both the seats and backrests, their dimensions conveying a sense of strength. The design is defined by the long horizontal lines, the impeccable joinery, and the natural, raw beauty of the oak. The backrests appear to hover above the seats on diagonal supports. The natural splits, knots, and variations in the grain have been preserved on the surface through the passage of time, reinforcing the individuality of each bench and highlighting the character of the oak. The dark tone further enriches the look, lending depth to the broad surfaces while accentuating the tactile quality of the material. These benches can be incorporated into any space thanks to their classic look, not to mention the functionality.
Whether placed opposite one another, alongside a dining table, or within an entrance hall, the pair possesses a sculptural presence that extends beyond their practical function. Their restrained vocabulary reflects the essence of Belgian Brutalist design without excess or embellishment.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The benches have recently been reconditioned. Some cracks are present. Due to the age and nature of the wood, the items may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
Bench 1
98.22 in W x 17.71 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat Height 16.14 in; Seat Depth 14.17 in
249.5 cm W x 45 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat Height 41 cm; Seat Depth 36 cm
Bench 2
98.42 in W x 18.89 in D x 30.51 in H; Seat Height 15.94 in; Seat Depth 14.56 in
250 cm W x 48 cm D x 77.5 cm H; Seat Height 40.5 cm; Seat Depth 37 cm