Mid centiry outdoor chair, Antelope (British classic)
Ernest Race (1913-1963)
Trained at the Bartlett School of Architecture of the University of London, Ernest Race started his furniture company in 1945. Like many designers of the time, he endeavored to combine new styles and forms with modern manufacturing methods.
The story of Antelope Chair
In 1951, in what was probably an effort to boost the spirits of post-war Britain, an exhibition entited Festival of Britain was held in London, England. The Antelope chair designed by Ernest Race was a prominent feature at the exhibit, with its seat painted in yellow, blue, red and grey. In 1955, the Antelop chair recieved a Silver medal at the Salone di Minalo. This was the first time when British designs were recognized in this way.
The design of the Antelope Chair
The outline of the chair looks as if it was drawn with a single movement of a pen, determined and skillful. Vertical slats remind us of many popular designs from previous eras, such as the Windsor chair. Spindly legs rest on large metal balls, believed to be evocative of the age of molecular physics (the younger generation has seen similar features in classrom models of atoms). There is a subtle sci-fi quality about this chair. The design is also somewhat whimsical, with the raised end points of arm rests indeed resembling the horns of an elegant animal. The moulded plywood seat (straight from war-time airplane construction practices) is a step above what you would see in many chair designs, providing extra comfort for outdoors sitting.
Where to use an Antelope chair
These chairs were primarily designed for outdoor and garden seating, but they are often used inside. Not unlike antilope herds, they retain elegance even when the space is literally filled with them – ideal for a busy restaurant. An accompanying Antelope bench is almost a must have in many environments.
Where to buy an Antelope chair
Although Ernest Race died at a realtively young age, the company that he had founded lives on. Race Furniture today manufactures Antelope chairs based on the original design.
