Design & History

The chair was sourced from an old villa in Brno, a city that became one of the most important centres of Modernist architecture and design in interwar Czechoslovakia.

Its exact designer and manufacturer are currently unknown. However, the unusual construction and sophisticated combination of materials suggest a piece conceived with considerable attention to both architecture and detail.

There are echoes of the geometric furniture associated with Viennese design and the Wiener Werkstätte in its compact proportions, strong rectangular framework and restrained decorative treatment. Rather than suggesting a direct attribution, we see these similarities as part of the wider Central European design culture from which the chair emerged.

It is also possible that the chair formed part of an interior designed specifically for the Brno villa in which it was found. Without surviving documentation this cannot be confirmed, but its unusual character and the fact that we have not encountered another identical example make the possibility particularly interesting.

Design Details

The chair is built around a substantial rectangular frame in dark solid oak, giving it an architectural and almost sculptural presence.

One of its most distinctive details is the treatment of the rear legs. Their chamfered surfaces are finished in contrasting light brown elm veneer, introducing a subtle decorative element into the otherwise dark geometric structure.

The seat is upholstered in red leather and finished around the edge with small round metal nails. Above it, a compact dark brown upholstered cushion forms the backrest and is deliberately visible from both the front and rear.

This combination of dark oak, lighter veneer, red upholstery and small metal details gives the chair a richness that contrasts beautifully with the simplicity of its overall form.

Despite its compact dimensions, it has a strong visual presence and works particularly well as an occasional chair or individual statement piece.

Why We Like It

We love furniture that leaves us with questions, and this chair is a perfect example.

There is something very particular about its combination of heavy geometric oak construction, contrasting elm veneer and surprisingly bold red seat. It feels carefully designed rather than simply manufactured, yet we have never encountered another identical example.

Its Brno provenance makes it even more intriguing. Whether it was a bespoke piece made for a particular interior or simply an unusual example of Central European furniture from the period, we may never know - but that mystery is part of what makes the chair so appealing to us.

Above all, it has character. It is the kind of piece that immediately attracts attention without needing to be large or extravagant.

Condition & Restoration

The chair is in good vintage condition and retains the character acquired through approximately a century of use.

The wooden frame has been carefully cleaned and polished, bringing back the depth and contrast of the oak and elm veneer while preserving its original character.

The original leather upholstery shows visible signs of age and previous use, including wear to parts of the seat. These traces have been retained as part of the history and character of the chair.

The chair remains stable and ready for use. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed record of its condition.

Details

Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Period: 1920s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Materials: Oak, elm veneer, fabric
Condition: Good vintage condition
Quantity: 1

Dimensions

Width: 58 cm
Depth: 56 cm
Height: 75 cm
Seat height: 49 cm

Delivery & Returns

The chair will be carefully packed and shipped from our studio in Brno, Czech Republic.

EU shipping: €120, confirmed at checkout

We also ship worldwide using trusted international couriers. Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote outside the EU.

EU customers have a 14-day right of withdrawal. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

If you would like to check anything before ordering - from condition and dimensions to delivery - Martin and Amy are always happy to help before and after your purchase.