Design & History

Antonín Šuman was an important figure in post-war Czechoslovak furniture design, particularly known for his work with bentwood seating. His furniture received considerable international recognition during the 1960s, with his designs presented at major exhibitions including Expo 67 in Montreal. The U-300 belongs to the generation of furniture that followed the enormous international success of Czechoslovak design in the late 1950s, especially at the Expo 58 in Brussels. The exhibition helped popularise a new visual language that became known domestically as Brussels Style - characterised by lighter forms, expressive curves, new materials and an optimistic departure from the heavier furniture of the preceding decades.

Designed during the 1960s, the U-300 translates those ideas into an exceptionally simple dining chair.

Rather than relying on decoration, Šuman allowed the structure itself to define the design. Slender tapered legs rise into a gently shaped frame, while the broad curved backrest provides both the chair's most recognisable feature and its strongest visual gesture.

The chair was produced by Interier Praha, one of the important names associated with Czechoslovak furniture production

Design Details

The chair is constructed from beech, with a remarkably light frame built around four slender tapered legs.

Its defining feature is the wide curved wooden backrest. Gently shaped to follow the body, it appears almost to float between the rear supports and gives the chair its distinctive sculptural profile.

The upholstered seat introduces softness and comfort without interrupting the simplicity of the construction.

Viewed from the side, the slight angles of the legs and back create a subtle sense of movement. From behind, the sweeping wooden backrest becomes the dominant element, revealing just how economical the design really is.

There is very little material here, but every element has a purpose.

Why We Like It

We particularly love the backrest on this chair.

It is such a simple piece of shaped wood, yet it completely defines the design. From the front it feels understated; from the side and rear its beautiful curve becomes much more apparent.

The chair also has that quality we often look for in 1960s Czechoslovak furniture: it feels unmistakably of its period without feeling dated.

There is something very confident about how little is needed - four slender legs, an upholstered seat and one beautifully curved piece of beech.

Light enough to disappear around a table but distinctive enough to work as a single chair, it is a wonderfully elegant example of Czechoslovak Mid-Century design.

Condition & Restoration

The chair has been carefully restored.

The beech frame has been hand-polished using shellac varnish, reviving the warmth and natural character of the wood.

The original upholstery was unfortunately damaged beyond repair and has therefore been replaced with new fabric, chosen to complement the colour of the beech frame.

The chair is stable, comfortable and ready for everyday use.

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

Details

Model: U-300
Designer: Antonín Šuman
Manufacturer: Interier Praha
Period: 1967
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Materials: Beech, Fabric
Condition: Restored
Quantity: 1

Dimensions

Width: 45 cm
Depth: 52 cm
Height: 78 cm
Seat height: 46 cm

Delivery & Returns

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

EU shipping: €40, 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.