Howard Keith “Bambino” Chairs for HK Furniture, England 1950s

This present pair of Howard Keith “Bambino” armchairs is a piece of history of a company, HK Furniture, and mid-century English design. By absorbing creative influences from abroad, but formulating a distinctive home-grown approach, Howard Keith was among the British designers to pioneer the use of new materials and manufacturing techniques, whilst maintaining links with the vernacular tradition.

The Bambino chairs were produced in Keith’s factories in the late 1940s and early 50s. Like the first models, the chairs of this pair are also constructed of solid beech and are fully upholstered. The shapes and curves of these chairs are very pronounced and harmonious. Sculptural form was an important design element for post-war British design, and that is clearly a guiding principle in these Bambino chairs as well. It is most evident in the beech arms and the winged backs that complement each other’s curves. With classic button tufting, the backs have an elegant look, enhanced by the original light upholstery. The sculpted arms run from the very base of the seats, which is a neat detail, especially from the side views. The chairs are supported by tapered legs that add to the classic, yet sleek design that defines these Bambinos.

Founded in 1933 by Howard Keith, HK established a name for high-quality upholstered products early on. Having appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’, the Diplomat sofa might be the flagship design for HK, nonetheless, the Bambino is their most coveted chair design. Taking into account its traditional elegance and quality, it is easy to understand why.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have their original upholstery. 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:
27.16 in W x 33.46 in D x 35.03 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
69 cm W x 85 cm D x 89 cm H; Seat height 40 cm

About the Designer:
Howard Keith was born Hans Krebs in 1902 in Germany and changed his name when he came to England around 1933, presumably to escape Nazi Germany.

Founded in 1933 by Howard Keith, HK established a name for high-quality upholstered products. Howard Keith was a designer and maker of stylish upholstered furniture producing designs for a great number of companies. Chairs like the Encore, Viking and Bambino and lounge seating such as Diplomat and Cloud ensured Howard Keith’s position as one of the country’s top furniture designers in the 1940s and 50s. Keith’s company was highly successful in making modern designs for domestic sofas and chairs well into the 1970s, before becoming one of Europe’s top high-end contract upholstery manufacturer. HK designs provided furniture for the QE2, Marlborough House, The Royal Train during the Queen’s jubilee year, the States of Jersey Parliament, the Stock Exchange Boardroom, BP’s headquarters and supplies leather seating for the Portcullis House, new parliament building at Westminster.

In the 1970s, HK started manufacturing high-end conference tables and executive desks and became known for craftsmanship, quality and design winning contracts for major blue-chip organizations such as The Bank of England, The Stock Exchange, Barclays and BP. In 2000, HK made the news desk for BBC South East. Today, the company still specializes in high-quality, custom-made executive and conference room furniture. ~H.

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