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Set of 20 Egon Eiermann Folding Chairs in Beech and Metal, Germany, 1950's

Creator: Egon Eiermann
Offered by: Zeger van Olden

Description
Set of 20 SE 18 folding chair, designed by German architect Egon Eiermann in 1952.

Initially created for communal spaces such as auditoriums and churches, the chair is celebrated for its ingenious combination of functionality and elegance. Crafted from solid beech wood and molded beech veneer, the SE 18 is lightweight yet robust, featuring a folding mechanism that allows for compact storage without compromising its structural integrity.

The chair’s defining feature is the distinctive hook integrated into the backrest, a practical and understated detail that reflects Eiermann’s meticulous attention to functional design. Its curved seat and backrest ensure comfort while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic. This attention to detail and usability underscores Eiermann's philosophy of combining form and function seamlessly.

The SE 18’s significance in design history was cemented when it was included in the Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) collection in New York in 1953, a testament to its groundbreaking design. Eiermann’s work also featured prominently at the World Exposition in Brussels in 1958, further solidifying its international acclaim.

The chairs have been fully restored to give them another few decades at least. We restored the wood very nicely by laying in new veneer where it was needed. The chairs are very smooth now because after that we sandpapered them and lacquered them twice. They are ready for the future and ready to be installed. The construction is still fully intact and functioning. The small repairs are visible but they add to the circular thought of tender loving care and making things nice again. They are very well priced if you compare it to the rest and these even have hooks. Well most of them: 17 have hooks and three have broken off hooks.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	Germany
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Beech,Metal
Condition:	Good. Refinished. Replacements made: new veneer inlays and newly lacquered (2). Wear consistent with age and use. the veneer has been fully restored.
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	767929