SET OF TWO RARES ART DECO H275 ARMCHAIRS by Jind?ich Halabala (1930)

Set of two armchairs among the rarest and most emblematic designed by designer Jind?ich Halabala. Produced over a short period and in very small series in the 1930s by Spojene Up Zavody in Czechoslovakia, these armchairs have been restored and reupholstered while retaining the period patina on the pieces of wood. The wooden elements have been cleaned. A discreet ancient restoration is visible on the base of one of the feet, probably in order to catch up with its level, the technique of curved solid beech was still experimental at that time.
Equipped with a seat and a spring backrest, comfort is accentuated by the flexibility of an independent backrest connected to the armrests that smoothly accompanies the user’s movements. The fabric used for the upholstery is a 100% pure wool buckle from Pierre Frey in a delicate creamy white color.

Length 80 cm
Width 70 cm
Height 70 cm
Seat height: 35 cm
Armrest height: 60 cm

Designer:

Jind?ich Halabala

1903 – 1978

Jind?ich Halabala was born in 1903 in Kory?any, formerly in Czechoslovakia. A graduate of the Prague School of Art, he became head of the UP Závody factory in 1928. Later, he became the chief architect for the Brno brand, then considered one of the most famous in Europe. This step will then affect his own way of designing furniture, then mass-produced under the simple name of H and E. It was at this time that he imagined one of the most intelligent seats as well as the first pieces of furniture made entirely of metal, which would later be produced after 1930 by one of the branches of UP Závody in Hodonín (Moravia), and appreciated throughout the world.

He also realized other projects such as carpets with totally innovative aesthetics against the current of what could be appreciated in his time. Jind?ich Halabala has managed to mass-produce high-quality, affordable works that are accessible to a larger part of the population. The production of UP Závody, and in particular that of Jind?ich Halabala, can be defined as the perfect combination of aesthetics, functionalism and efficiency.

Halabala quickly became one of the major inspirational figures of the designers of his time, followed by many manufactures in Europe. The spirit of UP Závody has indeed inspired many smaller manufacturers in Moravia, Prague and elsewhere. Jind?ich Halabala’s later achievements were seriously affected by the arrival of communism in Eastern Europe and the subsequent nationalization in 1946 of all major furniture factories. Thus, in the second half of the 60s, a new factory was built in Rusínov, quickly becoming the largest and most modern in Eastern Europe. Despite the incipient political pressure, the Halabala system does not change; This is why it is proposed to nationalize its productions. Thus, a major part of his most exceptional pieces such as armchairs, cabinets, or entire interiors are made during this period.

His legacy is still perceptible today in the design of contemporary furniture. He remains one of the most progressive and timeless architects the design world has known since his death in 1978.