Kallenbach’s Polo chair and footstool, Designed By John Tabraham
Polo chair and footstool, Designed By John Tabraham for Kallenbach’s
Original, rare John Tabraham for Kallenbach’s solid Kiaat Polo chair and footstool, with original cushions and down-feather inners. Designed by John Tabraham, one of South Africa's most esteemed furniture designers, for Kallenbach's, a company established in the early 1900s by the renowned architect Herman Kallenbach, who was also a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi.
The style is very reminiscent to that of Tobia Scarpa's ‘Bastiano’ range.
Dimensions: w87 x d91.5 x h87 | seat height 38 (cm)
Footstool: w68 x d51 h27.5 | with cushion 38 cm
Condition:
In very good original vintage condition. The wooden frames have undergone gentle refurbishment and refinishing where needed, while the covers have been thoroughly cleaned and conditioned.
John Tabraham
Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, John Tabraham emerged as the preferred designer for several of South Africa's leading furniture manufacturers, marking a period where he was at the forefront of modern design in South Africa.
In the 1950s, Tabraham collaborated closely with the upscale furniture manufacturer D.S Vorster, designing contemporary pieces celebrated for their clean lines and simple, elegant forms.
Moving into the 1960s and 70s, Tabraham became especially renowned for his partnership with the furniture company Kallenbach’s. His designs during this time are distinguished by their organic warmth and inspiration from the popular Danish modern style, targeting the higher end of the market and being retailed through select, prestigious outlets like Prosperitas in Pretoria.
His work received international recognition in the annually published "Decorative Art, The Studio Yearbook," which was later compiled by Taschen into "Decorative Art 1950s." This reference featured four of Tabraham's designs for D.S Vorster & Co, positioning them among the world's finest in design.
We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.
Restoration Process:
In our studio workshop, every item undergoes a meticulous inspection and careful restoration process. We prioritize maintaining the original charm and patina of the piece, while also making it a beautiful addition to modern interiors.
Our Approach Includes:
- Examining and reinforcing the joints
- Cleaning the wood and removing any stains
- Conducting veneer repairs as necessary
- Polishing or refinishing surfaces to enhance their appearance
