Description
These sold immediately in 2017 to an interior designer for $2500 THE PAIR. If I ever got the same again I’d price them at significantly more- around $3600 the PAIR.
Provenance and Background Info
(Written in 2017.)
A swivel designer chair (BOTH RECLINE), made in Norway and Denmark, designed by Soda Galvano. (THIS LISTING PRICE HERE IS FOR ONE CHAIR.) There’s a designer label on the base of each chair, a Made in Norway ink stamp on each chair and the original rubber webbing has the brand name and Made in Denmark embossed along every strap. These chairs are virtually impossible to find in Australia and in fact worldwide (they’re the first I’ve ever come cross). There are no other single chairs like this for sale online worldwide that I could find but there’s a 3-seater sofa on 1st Dibs (AU $5356). I can tell you first-hand how brilliant these chairs are. I had them for 6 months in a house I renovated and sold. These chairs were virtually the only seating I moved into there. This is the most comfortable chair I’ve had for some time- great angles and luxurious softness- the leather is also beautifully soft and supple. This does not even take into consideration the recline feature- this chair reclines into several positions (very easily with the side lever)- taking the comfort to a whole new level. The swivel function adds to the comfort and luxury. The chair has a designer edge that takes focus but it’s bold and sophisticated without being too “heavy looking”- the lighter timber is a great contrast and helps counteract the boldness of this design.
This looks like the Tessa T21 chair designed by highly-celebrated Australian designer, Fred Lowen … or should I say Lowen’s T21 chairs look a lot like this. This design came out much earlier. A lot of Australian designers ripped off top international designs (most of what Lowen did was distinctly his own though). The Tessa T21 is hugely popular (but DOESN’T recline). Similar designs are still being produced by Tessa to this day for over $4000 per chair. These vintage originals by Norwegian designer Soda Galvano are worth at least that in my eyes.
The investment appeal is a no-brainer, the comfort is up there with the best on a worldwide platform, which leaves looks- in my mind this design is stunning (but you’re the one who needs to make that call!) And there’s also durability to consider. I’m probably wasting space going into durability here. Look at these chairs after about 30 years of use! EXTREMELY well built, HEAVY, Galvano used only the very best elements- beautiful European timber (I’m pretty sure it’s Beech) supported with a steel sub-structure making this a lifelong investment (and beyond- these will surely be passed onto future generations if you handle them with some sense).
You don’t need to spend $8000 or more at SPACE Furniture and wonder what quality you’re getting. I’m predicting these chairs are about 30 years old (it’s hard to be sure)- the photos are irrefutable proof of the quality you’re getting. You can buy furniture in a similar price bracket that’s been mass-produced with NO regard for our environment or the people used to produce it (modern-day slaves). I personally would never put any furniture new into my home- there’s no need to. Items like this are a great financial and environmental investment for any home. (NOTE AGAIN- LISTING PRICE HERE IS FOR ONE CHAIR.)
