Design & History

The chair is believed to have been produced by Thonet in one of the company's factories in former Czechoslovakia during the late 1940s.

It does not retain a surviving manufacturer's label, so we prefer to describe the piece as attributed to Thonet rather than present the attribution as documented fact.

The design appears closely related to Thonet's earlier Model A 524 F, produced during the 1930s. The basic idea of a comfortable upholstered armchair surrounded by an expressive bentwood frame is retained here, but the form has developed into something softer and more dynamic.

The chair is particularly interesting as an example of the continuing importance of bentwood furniture in Czechoslovakia after the Second World War. Rather than abandoning the technique that had made Thonet internationally famous, later designs continued to explore the possibilities of bent beech while adapting them to changing tastes and ways of living.

Design Details

The defining feature of the chair is undoubtedly its pair of sculptural bentwood armrests.

Beginning at the back of the chair, each arm sweeps forward in a continuous curve before turning down towards the front legs. Their flowing form creates a striking contrast with the otherwise restrained construction of the chair.

The dark-finished beech frame gives the piece a strong graphic quality, while the light upholstery softens the overall appearance and emphasises the silhouette of the bentwood structure.

The generously upholstered seat and gently angled backrest make the chair particularly comfortable, while its relatively compact proportions allow it to work easily as an occasional chair, reading chair or individual accent piece.

Seen from the side, the relationship between the curved arms, rear supports and upholstered elements is particularly elegant - a reminder of the extraordinary possibilities offered by bentwood construction.

Why We Like It

For us, this chair is all about the armrests.

They have a wonderful sense of movement and transform what could otherwise have been a relatively simple upholstered chair into something much more sculptural. They also immediately connect the piece with the long tradition of bentwood furniture that made Thonet famous.

We also love the contrast between the dark beech frame and the light upholstery. It gives the chair a strong silhouette without making it visually heavy.

It is a particularly appealing example of how traditional bentwood craftsmanship continued to evolve during the post-war period - and, importantly, it is genuinely comfortable to sit in.

Condition & Restoration

The chair has undergone a professional restoration.

The frame was carefully strengthened and the wooden surfaces hand-finished with shellac and nitro varnish to recreate the original glossy appearance while preserving the character of the beech.

The original upholstery was damaged and has therefore been replaced with new fabric in a light neutral tone, chosen to complement the dark wooden frame.

The chair is stable, comfortable and in excellent vintage condition, with only minimal signs of age and previous use.

Please refer to the photographs for a detailed record of its condition.

Details

Manufacturer: Attributed to Thonet
Model: Related to Model A 524 F
Period: Late 1940s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Materials: Beech, fabric
Condition: Professionally restored and reupholstered
Quantity: 1

Dimensions

Width: 58 cm
Depth: 54 cm
Height: 84 cm
Seat height: 49 cm

Delivery & Returns

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

EU shipping: €60, 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.