Description
SOLD through iNVISeDGE for $1400 for the PAIR of chairs back in 2017.
Provenance and Background Info
Written in 2017
A matching PAIR of Arkana campaign chairs (LISTING PRICE IS FOR TWO CHAIRS.) Both chairs are well branded with the embossed logo underneath, Arkana (Bath) England, Made in Great Britain, Patent applied for registered design. This is the Chelsea chair but in Europe is commonly called the Safari chair. The chair was designed by Maurice Burke in the early 1960’s.
These chairs are rare on a world-wide platform and basically non-existent in Australia. They were never retailed here and only found their way here when people immigrated from Europe. At the time of writing there are 3 pairs of chairs in this design for sale in the world- all on 1st Dibs. (They range in price from AU $3827 to AU $4194 the pair.) They’re a well-known and highly respected design particularly in Europe and America. This design is almost 60 years old. It was WAY ahead of its time! If these were on the floor of SPACE furniture today most people would believe they were designed yesterday. This design has very lean styling, a low profile- it looks small but is pretty standard in size for an easy chair. Living spaces seem to be getting smaller- this pair would fit any space and won’t crowd or block-off your room. This design doesn’t scream for attention but still makes a statement. It’s very hard to strike this balance but Maurice Burke has nailed it. Teamed with a minimalist sofa this pair will add interest to your space but will be practical too- they’re comfortable, easy to move around, extremely durable and solid (look at them after about 60 years of use!) and a very astute investment.
The investment appeal is a no-brainer- pairs are selling for well over double this overseas and I doubt you’ll ever find any others in Australia again. The suspension comfort sits well with most people, the back swivels forward and back to further assist in finding your own comfort and you feel well-supported. These were built to last (and they have)- there’s little that can go wrong with them so they’re perfect if you have kids, you’re renting out your place through Airbnb or decking out hotel rooms where you want each room to have an unique and interesting style. This is a pair you won’t see in anyone else’s lounge-room.
If you care about our environment buying vintage is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and reduce landfill. When pride is taken in both design and craftsmanship we’re not only reducing waste but we’re helping to establish a culture where we longer value mass-produced items where our earth and the people used to produce them are exploited. If an item looks like this after almost 60 years of use, you’re assured of the durability and workmanship.
This suspension chair is in excellent condition overall. The frame is solid and sturdy with NO breaks, NO repairs, NO movement in any joint area, NO cracks in the timber (nothing of that sort). The frame is timber with a high quality black finish. This finish has a few marks and dents on each leg- these have been touched up and are now only noticeable upon close inspection. Overall the frames present very well. The seat upholstery is in excellent condition for something of this age. There are NO holes, NO cuts, NO noticeable scratches, NO noticeable scuffs and NO splits. The seams are all in great condition. There are zippers underneath which is another sign of quality. (It’s simple to add in more cushioning if this is your taste.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This a good sitting chair and takes up a small footprint in your space. The chair on offer is the one closest to the camera in the photo of the pair. You sit low to the floor in this chair (because the seat on this one has stretched slightly from use over the years- see the photos) but the comfort overall is extremely good. (I like the suspension comfort- the chair melds to your body shape.) You could rectify the sag in various ways if you wanted to (though this is not essential). I have significantly reduced the price of this one because the seating position is slightly lower. The comfort is good as is though. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The armrests on this chair are original (as shown in ALL the photos). The chair available is the one in the front where a pair has been shown. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Virtually everyone would think these chairs are leather- they look and feel like real leather- soft and supple. These came out when vinyl was first invented (in the late 1950's) and was the premium choice. This makes sense. Look at these after about 60 years of use. NO leather would look like this- vinyl is very durable and quality vinyls (like this) look and feel exactly like leather. Most of these chairs were made in vinyl (although many dealers, even on 1st Dibs, identify them as leather when they’re not)- this is definitely the original covering as the original Arkana label is embossed in the upholstery itself. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Measurements. Across- 61.5cm. Depth- 65cm. Total Height- 70.5cm. Seat Height- 35cm. Depth of Seat- 43cm. ALL DIMENSIONS CHECKED.
FOR FREIGHT= 0.278 cubic metres. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Read my 1200+ feedback comments (ALL for vintage furniture and vintage decor SALES- 100 or so from repeat customers) to be assured that these chairs are as described and that I will only stock items in excellent condition.
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