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: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare materials and structural elements over decorative design. It originated post–World War II, when low-cost housing and government buildings were composed of mainly raw, unrefined materials. Similarly, in furniture design, Brutalism inspired creators to follow the same look of deliberate simplicity, rawness and strength.
These chairs reflect the deliberate simplicity, rawness and strength sought out by the creators of Brutalist pieces. Without any heavy ornamentation, the focus falls on the natural materials, the authenticity being celebrated, rather than disguised or embellished. This choice of pine not only aligns with the organic principles of Brutalism, but it also contributes to the chairs' overall longevity in both form and function. Each chair is constructed from dark-stained wood, with legs and backrests that appear hand cut rather than machined. The robust, slightly irregular forms emphasise the hand of the maker, lending the chairs a distinctly tactile, grounded character. The proportions are harmonious, with the backs that widen towards the top, and mirroring splayed tripod legs. The beauty of craftsmanship is evident in every detail of this set. The resulting union of form and function exemplifies the marriage of beauty and useful design.
This set of chairs is ideal for a space that embraces authenticity and values materials in their natural form. Their clean look and rustic sensibility make them stand out without the need for embellishment, offering a quiet but impactful addition within an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the chairs have some marks, scratches, dents and discolouration.
Dimensions:
16.73 in W x 15.74 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.33 in; Seat depth 16.92 in
42.5 cm W x 40 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm; Seat depth 43 cm