This modernist piece was designed by Austrian avant-garde architect Hermann John Hagemann for the Mucke-Melder Company, based in Czechoslovakia.

Hagermann is well known for his work as a construction manager for Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s projects, such as the German pavillion at EXPO 1929 in Barcelona, and the Villa Tugendhat in Brno, 1932. But he was also involved in designing modernist furniture for companies like Thonet or Mucke-Melder. This model FN 74 has two significant features that set it apart from other tubular chair models in the late 1930s. The first is the way that the two tubular frames interconnect, with the frame that forms the armrests stopping in line with the back rest, instead of continuing behind. The other unique characteristic, is the flat steel mesh support hidden inside the backrest cushion and seat. This solution meant that softer fabrics could be used instead of wood or stretched leather, creating a more comfortable chair without compromising the Bauhaus ethos of overall lightness.

The chair is in perfect condition with some slight wear and tear on the bottom part of the steel frame. The wooden armrests have been recently completely refurbished by our experienced craftman and reupholstered in the Navy Leaf Recycled fabric by Kirkby Design. We decided to use this navy textured material because of its timeless and classic aesthetic as well as the way it offsets the chrome and caramel coloured wooden armrests.