Design & History

Designed during the 1960s, the cabinet reflects the increasingly modular and visually lightweight approach to furniture that characterised Czechoslovak interiors during the period.

The design is composed of two separate cabinet sections arranged one above the other. The upper section provides open display storage behind two sliding glass doors, while the lower cabinet contains a shelf and additional enclosed storage, also accessed through sliding glass doors.

What makes the design particularly distinctive, however, is the structure surrounding them. Rather than appearing as a single heavy cabinet, the two volumes are held within a slender black-painted wooden frame. Its vertical supports extend along the sides and rear, visually separating the individual sections and giving the whole piece an almost architectural quality.

A pale blue-grey back panel introduces a subtle contrast to the natural wood and black frame, while the extensive use of glass keeps the cabinet visually open despite its generous storage capacity.

The two sections can be separated and used individually if required, reflecting the flexibility and practicality that became increasingly important in post-war Czechoslovak furniture design.

František Mezulánik (1930–2011) worked as both an architect and furniture designer and created a number of furniture designs for UP Závody during the post-war period.

Details

Period: 1960s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Designer: František Mezulánik
Manufacturer: UP Závody
Materials: Wood, glass
Quantity: One cabinet

Condition & Restoration

The cabinet is in good vintage condition and has been carefully checked, cleaned and prepared for use in our Brno workshop.

The wooden surfaces retain their original character and warm vintage patina, with minor marks and traces of previous use consistent with the age of the piece. The sliding glass doors are intact and operate as intended.

The construction is stable and the cabinet is ready for everyday use. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed record of its condition.

Dimensions

Width: 93 cm
Depth: 40 cm
Height: 130 cm

Why We Like It

What we like most about this cabinet is that the structure isn't hidden - it becomes part of the design.

The black frame does much more than simply hold the two cabinet sections together. It creates space around them, breaking what could have been a substantial piece of storage furniture into a series of lighter geometric forms. Depending on where you stand, the cabinet can look almost like a small piece of architecture.

We also love the pale blue-grey back panel. It is a quiet detail, but together with the black frame and warm wood it gives the cabinet a surprisingly graphic quality.

And then there is its practicality. Display, storage and modularity are all incorporated into a piece only 93 cm wide - a very good example of intelligent design for the increasingly compact modern interiors of the 1960s.

Delivery & Returns

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

EU shipping: €220, 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.