Swivel office armchair, designed by Martin Stoll for Giroflex, Switzerland, 1960s

Description

Swivel office armchair, designed by Martin Stoll for Giroflex, Switzerland, 1960s

This elegant office armchair was designed by Martin Stoll for the Swiss Stoll Giroflex manufactory in the 1960s. The moulded, rounded frame was made of bent plywood and finished in warm-toned walnut with a visible, regular grain. The seat and backrest are upholstered in black genuine leather. The whole is mounted on a five-star swivel metal base. The armchair is fitted with a gentle reclining mechanism with a locking function. The armchair is very comfortable. This is a classic design whose form references the design icon: the lounge chair by Ray and Charles Eames.

The history of Stoll Giroflex dates back to 1872, when Albert Stoll I opened a factory producing simple chairs in Koblenz, Switzerland. Initially, the company produced bentwood chairs for cafés, hotels and shops. In 1919, the founder’s son, Albert Stoll II, decided to focus on office chairs. In 1928, he invented the Federdreh spring swivel, which quickly became popular and was patented worldwide. It was the first swivel chair with a suspension system. The brand name Giroflex means to turn and bend and was introduced in 1948. The new identity reflected the essence of the company’s intentions, which stemmed from the original invention. The company worked with renowned scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich to ensure that office chairs were comfortable, adapted to long hours of work, and supportive of healthy posture. The aim was to provide the highest possible level of comfort. In 2017, Giroflex joined the international Flokk Group as an independent brand. This strengthened the company’s position and placed it in the premium brand segment.

The armchair is preserved in good vintage condition. It has scratches on the leather and natural patina. There are two minor areas of material wear on the underside of the seat cushion. The armrests have been refurbished and are upholstered in genuine leather. The casters do not move smoothly. The seat is 39 cm high.

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