Pair of Iconic 1940s Modernist Boomerang Armchairs
Of all the early modern chairs produced in New Zealand this rare design is one of the most revered and also the most mysterious. The cutting edge architectural publication 'New Zealand Design Review' highlights these chairs in a 1948 article entitled 'The future of furniture'. The chairs are described as having an ingenious frame and webbed back that avoids being bulky.
Although these innovative chairs feature in a number of early architectural homes and periodicals, the maker and designer is never clearly identified. Despite this they are definitely New Zealand made and have close ties to many of the leading architects of the late 1940s and 50s.
The chairs are commonly attributed to legendary modernist architect Ernst Plischke as he selected them for the interior fit-out of the 1950 Hendersen House, but are unlikely to be his work. They feature in the following homes and periodicals:
Des Mullen (Brenner Associates) - Mullen House, Auckland 1948
New Zealand Yearbook of the Arts - No 4 - 1948
New Zealand Design Review - No 3 - 1948
Ernst Plischke - Henderson House, Otago 1950
Michael Brett - Tanglewood House, Howick 1951
Home & Building - Sept 1951
Vlad Cacala - Blumenthal House, Auckland 1957
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
The items showcased in our gallery are constantly changing – not all items are on display at once.
Please enquire if there is a specific piece you would like to view and we’ll make sure it’s in the gallery.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Ponsonby gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Pair of Iconic 1940s Modernist Boomerang Armchairs
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
