Jind?ich Halabala Lounge Chairs for UP Závody, Czechoslovakia 1930s

This pair of rare Jind?ich Halabala lounge chairs feature the world-famous Czech designer’s most well-known design element: the steam bent, curved arms. This model exemplifies why Halabala's work is considered to be a connection between innovative Czech cubism from the 1910s, Art Deco from the early 1920s and European modern art after the Second World War.

Jind?ich Halabala was born into the family of carpenter Št?pán Halabala, whose craft he learned in a family business between 1918 and 1920. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Halabala remains known as the Czech master of wood. The designer’s chairs such as this pair carries design elements from art deco as well as early mid-century design, resulting in a unique and immediately recognizable aesthetic that’s based on daring shapes and forms. The design of these chairs features a sensual curved wooden frame that contrasts beautifully with the angular, fully upholstered seats and backs. Further strengthening the transition into a more minimalistic modern aesthetic, these chairs don’t have any ornamentation. What really sets this model apart from the rest of Halabala’s impressive repertoire are the sledge-like legs. The arms don’t connect to the legs directly, nonetheless, the wooden frames remain flowing and dynamic. The luxurious light upholstery covering the bodies contrast beautifully with the dark wooden frames and accentuate the curves of both the arms and the legs. UP Závody—an acronym for Czech furniture manufacturer Spojené um?leckopr?myslové závody (or, Associated Arts & Crafts Enterprises, in English)—was founded in Brno in 1920. From the late 1920s, the firm’s fresh-faced and precocious development director, Jind?ich Halabala led the company’s product promotion and sales strategy until 1946. On the heels of Halabala’s success, by 1937, UP had grown into Europe’s largest furniture manufacturer—with a reputation synonymous with good taste and quality.

This pair of lounge chairs offers the optimum combination of superior design, functionality, and efficiency. While excessively rare, this model with gorgeous bentwood arms is still widely attributed to Halabala. He was one of the most progressive and timeless architects worldwide and remains a great happiness that many of his works are still around.

Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium taupe velour fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:
27.55 in W x 35.82 in D x 32.87 in H ; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 25.78 in
70 cm W x 91 cm D x 83.5 cm H ; Seat height: 40 cm; Arm height 65.5 cm

Shipping:
These chairs will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the items in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

IMPORTANT!
VAT normally applies and will be added to items when purchased by a European buyer or transported to a location within the EU.