Object Description
‘Long Chair’, 1935/36
Laminated birch frame, bent plywood seat and back
Width – 132cm – 52 inches
Depth – 61.5cm – 24¼ inches
Height – 79cm – 31 inches
Seat Height (Lowest Point) 18cm – 7 inches
Made by Luterma, Estonia for Isokon, UK.
A rare and historically significant example of the Isokon Long Chair, this iconic chaise was designed by Bauhaus master Marcel Breuer in 1935–36 for the Isokon Furniture Company in London. Widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of furniture to emerge from the interwar Modern Movement, the Long Chair represents a pivotal moment in design history — one that marked Breuer’s shift from tubular steel to the innovative use of bent plywood.
This revolutionary design takes full advantage of the material’s flexibility, with flowing, organic lines that evenly distribute weight across the body. It was described at the time as offering “scientific relaxation to every part of the body,” and its sculptural elegance continues to resonate nearly a century later.
What sets this particular piece apart is its exceptionally rare pre-war provenance. The earliest Isokon pieces, including the Long Chair, were manufactured by the Baltic plywood company Luterma in Estonia. This example has verified provenance linking it directly to that original Estonian production run, making it highly sought after by serious collectors and institutions alike
Constructed in laminated birch plywood, the chair’s striking cantilevered form is not just aesthetically powerful — it is a physical embodiment of the moment when the ideals of Bauhaus modernism took root in Britain. It was during this intensely creative period that Bauhaus figures such as Breuer, Walter Gropius, and László Moholy-Nagy — living in London as émigrés — began shaping a new vision for modern design through the Isokon brand.
This chaise is far more than a chair; it is a rare surviving artefact of design history — a functional sculpture that continues to inspire and educate. We have admired this model for over twenty years and have handled many examples. In recent years, however, they have become increasingly difficult to source, and most surviving examples are in poor condition. Due to the natural fragility of plywood, many have suffered from cracking, delamination, or ill-conceived historic repairs.
This piece was structurally sound when acquired and has undergone professional restoration. It is now presented in excellent vintage condition. We have not sat in the chair ourselves and, although structurally solid, we recommend it be appreciated as a sculptural work rather than for everyday use.
Viewings are welcome at our West London showroom. High-resolution images and detailed videos are available upon request. We offer local, national, and international delivery. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or to arrange a private viewing.