Best known for his sleek, Bauhaus style, designer Robert Slezák was a pioneer in the manufacturing of chrome and bent-metal furniture during the early 20th century.
Born in the town of Bystřice pod Hostýnem in today’s Czech Republic, Slezák originally trained as a locksmith and in 1908 established a locksmith’s workshop in his hometown. What began as a small business providing common locksmith products grew into the Slezák Factory, which made brass fittings for furniture and buildings. In 1911, Slezák became one of the first manufacturers in Europe to use a galvanic coating of copper, chromium and nickel on the surface of his products.
Starting in 1913, Slezák focused on designing and producing brass and metal furniture with wood accents, like chairs, beds and tables. By the 1930s, Slezák’s furniture style began to evolve towards mid-century modern and Bauhaus design, leading to streamlined and tubular three-seat sofas, stools, bent-metal chairs, wood and chrome coffee tables, desks, lighting and cabinets. During this time, Slezák also collaborated with the Czech furniture company Ton N.P. Bystřice pod Hostýnem on pieces including his Bauhaus chrome and walnut side table.
After 1948, Slezák’s firm became part of the Kovona furniture-making company, which continued to produce and recreate Slezák’s designs from the 1950s to the 1980s. Since 1992, the Czech furniture manufacturer has been known as Kovonax.
Today, Slezák’s designs remain highly sought after by interior designers and collectors of mid-century and Bauhaus furniture.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Robert Slezák seating, tables, lighting and more.
Set of Four Restored Bauhaus Chairs, by M. Stam, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Mart Stam
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This set of four chairs originates from the 1930s, stylistically belongs to the Bauhaus period, features a design by Mart Stam, and is made of beech and chromed steel. Their sophisti...
Steel, Chrome
Set of Four Restored Bauhaus Chairs, Beech, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This set of four chairs is an iconic example of the Bauhaus style, originating from 1930s Czechoslovakia. The chairs feature an elegant chrome-plated tubular steel structure, tastefu...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 4 Restored Bauhaus Beech Armchairs Designed by Mart Stam, 1930s, Czechia
By Robert Slezák, Mart Stam
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Set of 4 restored Bauhaus beech armchairs designed by Mart Stam. Style: Bauhaus Designer: Mart Stam Maker: Robert Slezak Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia Material: Beech a...
Chrome
Set of Czech Beech Bauhaus Chairs by Robert Slezak, Four Pieces, Chrome, 1920s
By Mart Stam, Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This set of four dining chairs is an icon of Czechoslovak interwar modernism in the Bauhaus style from the early 20th century. The concept was originally conceived by the famous Dutc...
Chrome
Set of Four Bauhaus Beech Chairs, Restored, Germany, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Set of Four Bauhaus Beech Armchairs. Style: Bauhaus Period: 1930-1939 Source: Germany Seat height: 46.5 cm / 18.31? Material: Beech, Chrome-plated Steel The chrome is in pe...
Chrome
Set of Czech Beech Bauhaus Armchairs, Vichr a Spol., Four Pieces, Chrome, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Arm-chairs - 4 pcs Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939. Material: Beech and chrome Source: Czechia.
Chrome
Set of Three Bauhaus Chrome Dining Chairs by Mauser, 1940s
By Mauser Werke
Located in Praha, CZ
- Germany, around 1940s - completely original and perfect condition with patina, see the photos - marked by manufacturer jr.
Chrome
A Set of 3 MODERNIST BAUHAUS Desk CHAIRS by RENE HERBST, France 1930
By René Herbst
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional museum set of 3 radical desk chairs, Modernist, Bauhaus, Constructivist, early modern creatins in the purest Bauhaus spirit featuring a "President" chair and 2 "Visito...
Metal
Bauhaus Cantilever Chairs By Pohlschröder Circa 1930s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Bauhaus Cantilever Chairs By Pohlschröder Circa 1930s - Price is for the set of 4 (1 set of 4 in stock) - Tubular steel cantilever design - Shaped black ply seat and backrest - Orig...
Steel
Very Rare Jan van Ettinger for D3 Tubular Armchair 1930s Set of 3
Located in Tilburg, NL
Very Rare set of 3 Jan van Ettinger for D3 Tubular Armchairs. The Netherlands, 1932-1936. These chairs are downright museum pieces and Dutch industrial design history. The short lived company D3 only existed for four years, but remains relevant as one of the early examples of makers of tubular furniture...
Metal, Chrome
Set of 4 Bauhaus Cantilever Chairs, Tubular Steel, Germany 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Exceptional set of four Bauhaus cantilever chairs produced in Germany during the 1930s. Featuring a tubular steel frame with a refined cantilever structure, these chairs embody the e...
Steel
Set of Four Bauhaus Cantilever Armchairs by Mart Stam, Italy
By Mart Stam
Located in Praha, CZ
This refined set of four Bauhaus cantilever armchairs, attributed to Mart Stam, was produced in Italy in the 1980s. Constructed from chrome-plated tubular steel, the chairs exemplify...
Chrome
