An elegant and rare tubular steel modernist armchair attributed to PEL (Practical Equipment Ltd) with continuous tubular chrome frame and horseshoe cantilever base. The chromium plated steel wraps around the back and forms the armrests, and it is upholstered in its original black leatherette. The chair is an excellent example of British modernism which was influenced by the 30s designs of the German Bauhaus and their pioneering work in tubular steel furniture, and bears all the hallmarks and design details of Practical Equipment Ltd.  It was most likely designed for PEL by either Oliver Bernard or Serge Chermayeff. It is rare to find the original upholstery and chromium plating in such good condition. 

History

PEL were the leading manufacturers of modernist tubular steel furniture in Britain. Established in 1931 in Oldbury, near Birmingham, PEL worked with the top designers of the day, such as Serge Chermayeff (co-architect of the De La War Museum, Bexhill) to design desks and chairs for BBC Broadcasting House; with Wells Coates, to design tubular steel furniture to furnish Coates’ landmark luxury seafront flats at Embassy Court, Brighton; and with Oliver Percy Bernard who designed PEL’s classic cantlivered SP4 chair.

Country of origin: UK

Date: c.1930 - 1950

Material: chromium plated steel and black leatherette 

Dimensions: Height 78cm Width 59cm Depth 68cm

Condition: excellent with very slight cracking to leatherette on one arm and slight discolouration to the seat which is consistent with age - see images.

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