Vintage beech and molded plywood chairs – Central Europe, circa 1960 – Set of 3 pieces

Set of three vintage dining chairs made of beech and molded plywood, featuring a backrest with three curved slats and a saddle-shaped seat. Originating from Central Europe, from post-war production, where the wood was glued in layers and bent in a mold under pressure. Laminated wood replaced steam bending in European chair manufacturing starting in the 1930s, when Alvar Aalto industrialized the process in Finland. After the war, it became widespread across Europe: it allows for lighter sections, freer shapes, and much better use of wood. Each side is a single piece of laminated beech that starts from the rear leg, follows the seat rail, and descends to the front leg in a continuous curve. The glue lines of the layers are visible along the edge of this curve. The seat is made of double-curved molded plywood, and the backrest features three curved slats joined with tenons. Details. Dimensions: Length 49 cm – Depth 44 cm – Height 81 cm – Seat height 42 cm. Style: Viennese Secession. Materials and techniques: Solid beech and beech plywood; bent laminated wood in a mold; molded plywood seat; clear varnish. Place of origin: Central Europe. Period: Post-war Central European production. Date of manufacture: Circa 1960. Condition / Observations: Retains its original varnish with wear on the seat and scattered signs of use. The laminated sides are firm, with no delamination. Wear consistent with age and use.