Design & History

Furniture design in 1970s Czechoslovakia was increasingly moving away from the lighter forms associated with the previous decade.

Upholstered seating became more substantial and enclosed, reflecting broader international changes in interior design towards comfort, informality and immersive forms.

This armchair captures that shift particularly well.

Instead of exposing its structure, almost the entire chair is expressed as a single upholstered volume. The unusually tall back rises well above the sitter's shoulders, while the sides curve gently inwards to create a more enclosed seating position.

The low steel swivel base provides a deliberate contrast. Visually separated from the upholstered body above, it allows the large chair to appear lighter than its proportions might suggest.

Its vivid pillar red finish completes the effect, transforming what could have been a relatively restrained lounge chair into a powerful piece of 1970s furniture.

The individual designer and manufacturer remain unknown, and we prefer to leave the authorship open until documentary evidence can be found.

Design Details

The chair is dominated by its extended high backrest.

Rising to 107 cm, it gives the chair an unusually vertical silhouette and creates a feeling of enclosure around the head and upper body.

The seat itself is generously padded, with broad upholstered sections forming the back, sides and armrests.

Rather than sitting on conventional legs, the entire upholstered body is supported by a compact steel swivel base. This allows the chair to rotate while keeping the visual emphasis firmly on the sculptural red form above.

The upholstery combines leather and faux leather, with the different materials carefully integrated into the construction.

And then there is the colour.

The intense pillar red isn't simply a surface treatment - it is fundamental to the character of the chair, emphasising its continuous shape and giving it an extraordinary presence from every angle.

Why We Like It

Some chairs quietly become part of an interior.

This one doesn't.

We love its confidence - the height, the colour and the almost cocoon-like shape all give it a presence that is difficult to ignore.

But there is also something more subtle happening once you sit in it. The extended back and enclosed sides create a surprisingly personal space, while the swivel mechanism allows the chair to move freely within the room.

For us, that contrast is what makes it particularly successful.

It looks bold and extroverted from across the room, yet sitting inside it feels remarkably private.

And the red is fantastic.

Condition

The chair has been carefully cleaned and treated with a specialist leather-care product.

The leather sections retain visible signs of age and previous use, including cracking in places. We have deliberately retained this original material rather than replacing it, preserving the character and history of the chair.

The faux leather sections remain in excellent vintage condition.

The steel swivel base is fully functional and shows some surface wear consistent with age and previous use.

The chair is structurally sound, comfortable and ready for use.

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

Details

Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Period: 1970s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Materials: Steel, Leather
Condition: Good vintage condition
Quantity: 1

Dimensions

Width: 56 cm
Depth: 80 cm
Height: 107 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.