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.
Walnut Bauhaus Wardrobe Made in Czechia by Vichr a Spol, 1930-1939
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Original walnut wardrobe made in Czechia by Vichr a Spol. Period: 1930-1939. Condition: Original. Material: Walnut and Chrome-plated steel.
Chrome
Restored Oak Bauhaus Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Oak Bauhaus wardrobe. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel Revived polish. Our professional refurbishing team in Cz...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by H.J.Hagemann, Mücke-Melder, Czech, 1930s
By Mücke & Melder, Hermann John Hagemann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This unique wardrobe (clothing cabinet) in the Bauhaus style originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s and is a masterpiece attributed to the architect Hermann John Hagemann for ...
Wood, Lacquer
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by Vichr a spol., Chrome, Steel, Oak, Czech, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant three-door wardrobe is a representative piece from the renowned manufacturer Vichr a spol. in Lysá nad Labem, originating from 1940s Czechoslovakia. The structure is cra...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Art Deco Wardrobe, by J. Halabala, UP Zavody, Maple, Czech, 1930s
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designed by Jindrich Halabala, a renowned designer credited with ushering in the mass market production of furniture in his native Czechoslovakia. Made by UP Zavody, a well-known Cz...
Wood, Lacquer, Maple
Original Mid-Century Wardrobe, by Tatra Pravenec, Ash, Czech, 1950s
By Tatra Pravenec
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Maker: Tarta Pravenec This original wardrobe, originating from the 1950s, represents an extraordinary, highly valued, and collector-attractive example of Czechoslovak design product...
Glass, Wood, Ash, Lacquer
1930s Bauhaus Wardrobe by Vichr & Spol in walnut Finish, Czechoslovakia
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Minor signs of use - Chrome plated legs with some signs of use - can be disassembled for transport
Chrome
Modernist Three Door Wardrobe, Chrome Plated Metal and Walnut Veneer, circa 1930
By Hermann John Hagemann
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist Wardrobe designed by Hermann John Hagemann and manufactured by Thonet or Mücke-Melder, circa 1930. The wardrobe is made of chrome plated tubular steel and walnut veneered w...
Metal, Chrome
1940s Bauhaus-Inspired Wardrobe by Hynek Gottwald – Czechoslovakia
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Żory, PL
A functional wardrobe designed in the spirit of Bauhaus modernism by Hynek Gottwald, produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1940s. The piece combines utilitarian design with a clean i...
Steel
Mid Century Walnut Wardrobe from Alfred Cox, 1950s
By Alfred Cox, Heal's
Located in South Shields, GB
A stylish mid-century walnut wardrobe by Alfred Cox, featuring beautifully figured ripple walnut veneers, tapered legs and original turned handles. The interior is fitted with ha...
Walnut
Hynek Gottwald Bauhaus Oak Wardrobe with Chromed Tubular Legs, 1930s
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Żory, PL
Original Bauhaus wardrobe designed by Hynek Gottwald, manufactured in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s/1940s. Features three doors, two interior clothing rails, two shelves, and the i...
Steel, Chrome
Italian Large Cabinet in Teak and Geometric Fronts
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe or highboard, teak, Italy, 1950s Beautiful cabinet originating from Italy. This spacious 1950s piece showcases timeless modernist elegance. The graphic front of this cabine...
Teak
