A CHAIR TO LOOK AT AND EVENTUALLY SIT ON.
by Marko.
Since I’m from Slovenia, I might as well share some of our most important industrial (interior) design achievements, especially during the Yugoslavia years. Aynway, I bought one of these chairs in wenge, called the Rex chair, by Niko Kralj (his last name means »king«), a couple of weeks ago. Comfy. The funny thing is that I actually first sat on one of those during my exams at the University. See, our professors are proud people. Anyway, during those years Mr. Niko Kralj, an architect who studied with Eames, supposedly almost didn’t make a single penny, or should I say: dinar, from his folding furniture designs, originating from 1952. Around 2 million were made. The design is inspired by, or a part of, so-called Scandinavian nature-minimalism, so the construction is simple and was first based on solid beech wood with a fluid folding mechanism. His design principle was always innovative simplicity (technically speaking), good form, and availability or social responsibility (»good design for low incomes«). Boy, how the times have changed. The originals can cost up to more than $200 dollars, the new ones are a bit cheaper, around $120. Of course, it all depends on the size, and type of wood. Well, you can get an idea of all the styles possible in the pictures above. Here’s a link to the catalogue in pdf format in case you’re interested:
http://www.impakta.si/Datoteke/Slike_ostalo/REX_folder_07_mali.pdf
The chair is also included in the MOMA design collection.
Dear Marko
Is it possible to buy this chair in Switzerland, Austria, Germany or France?
And where is it sold in Slovenia?
Kind regards
Sabine
Sabine Weber
Zurich
Dear Marko.
Do you know a site where I can buy this georgious chair?
Regards from Denmark.
Susanne, I’ve contacted Marko and he should be getting back to you or will reply to you directly. Thanks for stopping by.
Kim
Hi Susanne,
First of all, hopefully, you’re doing fine in these troubled times. I must say that the chair is difficult to come by these days. I made some inquiries as far as internet sites go, and at this moment there’s only one Slovenian site where I found some information - a lot has changed, the design is not that well known, but totally affordable (prices range from 50 euros upwards - cheaper every day). I now own two white ones and one black, and I simply love the design. I have absolutely no other information if it is sold on the net, that is non-Slovenian sites, I highly doubt it though. Anyway, here’s the site for the firm that produces the chair. You can make the inquiry yourself, they don’t sell them on the site. If you really want it, in case you won’t get a reply, don’t hesitate to contact me, I’ll gladly help (I think it would be best if I simply called them - if you want, considering how quickly you’ll get and read my reply, I can make the call myself, just say so, no problem).
http://www.impaktaholding.si/activities/Wood and Furniture/Chairs and chair components
If you scroll down, just click on inquiry, and fill out the form.
http://www.impaktaholding.si/Content.asp?PageID=604
Okay, I hope this helps, and I hope they give you more information.
My best,
M
P.S.: Darn it, the first link doesn’t work, as for the second one, it’s in Slovenian, just below the Impakta logo you can see a barely discernible “eng” - click on it to get the form in English.
M