Modernist Bentwood Armchair A 745 F by Michael Thonet for Tatra, 1930s

This elegant streamlined Modernist bentwood armchair was originally conceived by Thonet in the 1930s for the Baťa shoemaking company in Zlín, in what was then Czechoslovakia. Designed as model A 745 F, it embodies the clean, functional aesthetics of the period. Despite its forward-thinking design, Thonet, for reasons still unclear, did not proceed with its manufacture. Instead, the production was taken up by Tatra Martin under an official Thonet license, ensuring the chair adhered to the original design specifications.

The armchair remains in very good original condition, a testament to its craftsmanship and durability. The bentwood frame showcases the timeless elegance of Thonet's design philosophy, blending organic curves with the streamlined, minimalist approach characteristic of Modernism. Its surfaces have been expertly polished, preserving the chair's original luster, while the structure remains sound and stable. This rare piece represents a fascinating chapter in the history of 20th-century furniture design, combining the legacy of two iconic companies: Thonet and Baťa.