An exceptional piece of German design history: This rare lounge chair was designed by Rudolf B. Glatzel in the 1970s as a prototype for Dreipunkt Art Collection and presented at the Cologne Furniture Fair. With its striking silhouette, solid stainless steel frame, and brown rough-out leather upholstery, the design combines the clear formal language of modernism with the generous comfort of a classic lounge chair. Particularly noteworthy is its origin from the designer's personal collection.
The chair is in good, fully original condition. The high-quality brown rough-out leather shows slight, age-appropriate signs of wear and a distinctive patina that emphasizes its authentic vintage character. The solid stainless steel frame is in well-maintained condition. Both the swivel mechanism and the tilt function operate perfectly. The generous padding, high backrest, and comfortable armrests make for an exceptionally comfortable and relaxed seating experience.
Glatzel's design is characterized by the exciting interplay between soft, organic upholstery shapes and a precisely crafted metal construction. The voluminous seat flows seamlessly into the high backrest, while the curved armrests made of solid stainless steel with leather-covered pads create a striking design accent.
The five-spoke stainless steel base gives the chair a powerful, almost sculptural presence. The integrated swivel and tilt mechanism combines technical sophistication with high seating comfort. Although the design incorporates structural elements of a representative swivel chair, its generous proportions and relaxed seating position clearly make it a comfortable lounge chair.
A documented prototype from the designer's collection
The special significance of this chair lies in its extraordinary creation and ownership history. Rudolf B. Glatzel developed the design as a unique prototype for Dreipunkt Art Collection. After its presentation at the Cologne Furniture Fair in the 1970s, the unique piece returned to the designer's personal collection, where it remained for decades.
The origin and exhibition history are confirmed by a handwritten document from Rudolf B. Glatzel's son. An additional handwritten dedication by the son on the underside of the chair complements this special provenance. Thus, the object has a traceable history directly connected to the designer's family.
Rudolf B. Glatzel and Dreipunkt Art Collection
Rudolf B. Glatzel is one of the independent representatives of German post-war modern furniture design. His works are characterized by a consistent combination of functional construction, high-quality materials, and a concise, often sculptural formal language. In particular, his seating furniture designs from the 1970s show an experimental approach to metal constructions, leather, and ergonomically shaped upholstery.
With the Art Collection, Dreipunkt pursued a sophisticated design approach in which individual form-giving, high-quality craftsmanship, and contemporary comfort were at the center. The present prototype embodies this design philosophy in a particularly impressive way.
A collector's item with extraordinary provenance
As a unique, fully original trade fair prototype from Rudolf B. Glatzel's personal collection, this lounge chair holds a special place within his design oeuvre. The combination of an original design, elaborate stainless steel craftsmanship, original leather, and documented origin makes it a remarkable object for sophisticated interiors and collections of historic design furniture.
An authentic unique piece of German modern design, whose history goes far beyond that of an ordinary vintage chair.
