Elegance describes the designs of Jan Vanek.
Influenced by his family’s furniture company, Vandek studied woodworking. Following a stint in Germany, where he advanced his skills at established firms in Munich, Stuttgart and Heilbronn, he returned home to the former Czechoslovakia and took over the family business, which in 1920 became known as Spojené Uměleckoprůmyslové Závody, or UP Závody.
Vanek's early friendships and collaborations with architectural and design greats like Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Adolf Loos and others likely had much to do with his graceful style, best exemplified by his 1930s bentwood chairs, with the arabesque curves of their arms and legs conjoining to form open, dynamic loops.
True to Czech standards for uniformity, Vanek scarcely altered the design over decades of production, though he did gradually modernize his frames: His 1950s models are more angular, industrialized — and very definitely modern.
Find a collection of vintage Jan Vanek furniture today on 1stDibs.
Beechwood Armchairs, Design Jan Vaněk, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Beechwood armchairs with tattered seat. Design Jan Vanek, Czechoslovakia, circa 1930s. Original good condition.
Beech
Beechwood Armchairs, Design Jan Vaněk, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Beechwood armchairs with tattered seat. Design Jan Vanek, Czechoslovakia, circa 1930s. Original good condition.
Beech
1960s Jan Vanek Beech Bentwood Armchair, Czechoslovakia
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished ¨ - sturdy and stable - height of seat 32 cm
Bentwood
Art-Deco Adjustable Armchair, Designed by Jindrich Halabala, Restored, 1930's
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of wood, fabric, metal Complete restored Very comfortable The yellow upholstery is in original condition (See photo) Good Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Bent Beechwood Armchairs Set, Design Jan Vaněk, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of two bent beechwood armchairs with tattered seat. Design Jan Vanek, Czechoslovakia circa 1930s. Original good condition.
Beech
1930s Art Deco Czechoslovak Bentwood Rocking Chair with Original Upholstery
Located in Praha, CZ
This rare Art Deco rocking chair was produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. Crafted from bentwood with elegantly flowing lines, the chair exemplifies the refined craftsmanship ...
Fabric, Bentwood
Bentwood Armchair by Jan Vanek for UP Zavody, Brno, Czech Republic, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Vienna, Austria
1930s bentwood armchair designed by Jan Vanek for UP Zavody. The frame is made up of steamed beechwood that has been formed into curved elements. After it's assembly it was stained b...
Beech
Brown Mid Century Armchair Made in 1930s Czechia. Designed by Jan Vaněk
By Jan Vanek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Armchair, midcentury Czechoslovakia Architect: Jan Vanek Period: 1930-1939. Material: Beech.
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Jan Vaněk, Oak, Cotton, Czech, 1940s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designed by renowned Czech interior architect and designer, Jan Vanek. Our professional refurbishing team in Czechia has fully restored it according to the original process. New u...
Wood, Lacquer, Textile, Cotton, Oak
Jindrich Halabala Adjustable H-70 Oak Bentwood Lounge Chair, Praque 1930s
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Almelo, NL
Jindrich Halabala Adjustable H-70 Oak Bentwood Lounge Chair, Praque 1930s This H-70 armchair was designed by Jindrich Halabala and produced by Spojene U...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Attributed to Jan Vaněk, Adjustable Bentwood Lounge Chair, Czechia, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Attributed to Jan Vaněk, Adjustable Bentwood Lounge Chair, Czechia, 1930s A striking example of Czech functionalist design, this adjustable lounge chair is attributed to renowned de...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Jan Vaněk Easy Chair in Oak and Canvas, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vaněk Easy Chair in Oak and Canvas, Czechoslovakia, 1930s A striking and iconic example of early European modernism, this easy chair by Jan Vaněk—an influential figure in Czecho...
Canvas, Oak
