Robert Slezak

ROBERT SLEZAK for Slezak Factories. Czech Republic, ca.1930's.
Writing desk.
White painted metal.
Black glass.
Shows signs of use and wear.
Needs restoration.
Measurements: 80 x 115 x 60 cm.
Desk designed by the Czech artist Robert Slezak in the thirties, following the precepts of the German Bauhaus. The tubular structure and the small spherical feet give lightness and boldness to a design in accordance with the aesthetic and conceptual interests of the modern movement. The cabinet has three drawers with ball handles, and the top is covered with black glass.
Robert Slezak founded Slezak Factories in 1908, a Czech furniture brand specializing in chrome-plated and bent metal furniture, which initially operated as a locksmith's shop and building fittings. The workshop developed rapidly, production was first extended to the popular brass fittings and new galvanic plating technology was introduced in the new facility. In 1911, it was one of the first manufacturers to offer galvanic plating of copper, nickel and chromium on the surface of products. From 1913, it began production of metal chairs and brass furniture, including beds, tables and chairs with its own designs in a combination of metal and wood. The original Slezák factories became part of the Kovona company after 1948, and since 1992 it has been called Kovonax.