Description
The remaining chairs are SOLD to NEIL for $1195 (for all 4 chairs). THE 5TH CHAIR SOLD AS AN INDIVIDUAL PIECE FOR $350.
Background Info and Provenance
(Written in 2019)
ONE FLER Executive Chair (we currently have 5 chairs available) made around 1955 to 1959 when the SC55 chair was produced. I decided to do some additional research before writing this description. Because this design (the Executive Chair) looks like an adaption of the SC55 TV Easy Chair, I wanted to know whether the Executive Chair was actually part of a “SC55 series”. After digging a little I’m pretty sure the name “SC55” is reserved only for the TV easy chair. The SC55 is possibly my favourite out of all Fred Lowen’s designs but this one (the Executive Chair) comes a close 2nd. I love the sleek low-line feel of the SC55 but what I like more about this design is the exposed black metal frame. It’s fascinating when designers are able to successfully combine two styles in one piece. The exposed black metal frame gives the Executive Chair an industrial slant but the timber pieces with the curves and graceful fluidity counteract this with a Danish aesthetic. This obvious contrast creates a startling design that draws you in immediately and continues to hold your attention.
These are the first FLER Executive Chairs I’ve ever been able to consider stocking in iNVISeDGE (in 17 years in the business)- they are MUCH rarer than the SC55 chair. The only others I’ve come across have been accompanied by price tags of least $550 (up to $995). I’ve also only ever seen them as singles or pairs. I got these as a set of 5. In the 1950’s and 60’s they often put 5 chairs around a circular table. The fact this set has stayed together all this time makes them all the more special but I have to consider today’s market. Most people in the market will want one of these or a pair. If you want all 5 (or even 4) and are even considering it lightly, come forward sooner rather than later because I may break the set up otherwise.
So, what is the market for these chairs? Besides collectors, these would suit a lot of other people. The design would be a conversation starter in many spaces- stunning as occasional chairs in a warehouse conversion or any “edgy” interior (particularly a small space). They take up a small footprint so would be an accent to your space (much like a piece of art) but also provide handy additional seating for social gatherings (you could even pull these into a dining or office table when needed). With a minimalist sofa a pair of these chairs would give your lounge room a unique edge.
This brings me to comfort. The Executive Chair is obviously made to be that- a chair built for executives to sit around a boardroom table for meetings. I can just picture a 1950’s office as I write this with the shirts, ties and cigar smoke! The seating comfort has therefore been designed for that purpose. Boardroom meetings can go for hours so they are comfortable to talk in for extended periods and occasionally write things down at a table of normal height. This is not really a computer chair though (computers were not even thought of back then!). The angles are more conducive for sitting back in (giving full relaxation of your back) not sitting up at a computer keyboard. That said if you wanted one of these as a computer chair at home it would work if you needed it for a few hours or a day here and there. You would sit up while you’re on the keyboard and sit back in great comfort to read the screen and scroll ect.
This particular set also has special provenance because the guy we bought them from got them from his grandfather who worked at the FLER factory back in the 1950’s. I knew there had to be a story because to get a set of these is a feat in itself but a set in FULLY ORIGINAL condition puts them in the realm close to irreplaceable.
Investing in good vintage design is the smartest way to go financially- if you buy wisely vintage design rarely loses any value over the years. To top it all off, look at these chairs after about 70 years of use! The QUALITY is unquestionable. With the solid metal frame these chairs are basically indestructible- they were built to last and this has already been proven! So from an environmental standpoint, you’d also be just as hard-pressed to find a smarter way to invest in your home.
Ref- 1903
