A VINTAGE pair of timber designer chairs, manufactured in the 1970’s by Mitre Furniture of Adelaide. The construction quality of this suite is A1- at least in line with that of Tessa Furniture. Mitre is well-known for their simple, clean lines, minimalist styling and functionality. This vintage design closely resembles the “Eve” by Aero Furniture (made in Victoria at the same time). This suite was purchased new by the original owners in the late-1970s and sat proudly in the “good room” since then. It has had little use. For a suite that’s over 40 years old, it would be near impossible (impossible?) to find another suite like this in such amazing condition. These are heavy, sturdy pieces- the structure of every piece is still as solid as a rock. 

The other thing that’s special about this suite is the colour of the leather. This lighter colour is perfect to accentuate the clean lines of the timber frame. You may never come across this design upholstered in this colour leather again- it’s a first for me and I’ve been in this business over 20 years.

Stunning design, obvious investment appeal, durable construction and total comfort. This design ticks every box. The comfort in particular is stand-out. The angles are spot-on- these chairs hold you in perfect seating position, the back is also perfectly sculptured to fit into your lower lumbar area, plus your neck too- there’s a high back as well to create total relaxation that has to be tried to be believed. As far as investment appeal is concerned I can’t see how any company (even those in China) could make these chairs for anywhere near this price. The retail value of the leather alone would be close to our asking price. (That’s without the labour for sewing too!) 

This Mitre suite is in original condition, with the original HOWE leather from the 1970’s. This FULL-GRAIN leather is some of the best leather ever made (probably the best to be made in Australia and certainly up there with the best ever made on an international platform.) Howe leather was used extensively on Australian furniture in the 1970’s- most of this furniture is in incredible condition after almost 50 years of use! If this leather is cleaned and conditioned every couple of months I see no reason why it won’t last forever.   

The appeal of investing in vintage furniture is simple. When items look like this after over 40 years, you have irrefutable evidence of the quality you’re buying and that the items have been built to last the long haul. I can’t see how these Mitre chairs could lose any value in the future- it’s highly likely values for this vintage furniture will increase as more and more people discover how exceptional this Australian-made furniture is. (Get in now before that happens. Vintage Parker chairs from the 1960’s are now fetching over DOUBLE this. And I think these chairs are better!) Investing in vintage furniture is one of the best ways to invest in your home and reduce landfill (if not the best). This Mitre suite is set to passed on through the generations, a symbol that when something has been done well, it will live on.