**Czech Furniture Design: 1930s to 1970s**

Jindrich Halabala helped create a new mass-market approach to home design and furnishing in
Czechoslovakia in the interwar period and after the Second World War.

He believed furniture could and should be well-finished, fully functional, modular, mobile and widely affordable.

As chief designer of the large Brno-based furniture producer United Arts and Crafts Manufacture (UP), he significantly influenced its manufacturing
program from the 1930s on – pioneering the industrial manufacture of furniture in Czechoslovakia.

He developed two fundamental series of modular furniture: lines H and E, and many types of wooden seating. He also designed
innovative tubular steel furniture, produced in UP’s Hodonín branch.

As well as developing a modern approach to promotions of furniture, using life-like interiors that he photographed himself for UP publicity materials, he
was also active as a theoretician. He regularly contributed to specialist journals and the general press, lectured at vocational secondary schools and
colleges and later, as chairman of the furniture manufacturers’ association, played a major part in the reshaping of the Czech furniture industry.

Furniture with the UP mark or individual pieces of furniture attributable to Jindrich Halabala are much sought after today. Apart from cupboards,
tables, and small armchairs, the greatest demand is for Halabala’s
reclinable bent-wood armchair (three variants with different systems for reclining), writing desks and dining-room chairs with a high, spreading back.
Halabala’s unique tubular chairs with a two-way cantilever are top collectors’ pieces but hardly ever reach the market.

Halabala’s designs can be seen in the permanent collections of Moravská gallery, Brno and the Olomouc Museum of Art, and have recently been on show in
an exhibition commemorating Halabala that has toured major cities of the Czech Republic.

Furniture crafted by Antonín Šuman can be found on Really Old Shit, showcasing his penchant for using wood in his designs. Each piece reflects meticulous attention to detail. Within our curated collection of Antonín Šuman's work, the brown variations stand out as particularly sought after. A lot of Šuman's original works mirror the mid-century modern aesthetic and were predominantly crafted in Europe during the 20th century. For those seeking alternatives, pieces by Oswald Haerdtl, Jitona, and Tatra Pravenec also capture similar design sensibilities.

Jiří Jiroutek, a figure often associated with mid-century design, particularly in the Czech Republic, is renowned for his contribution to the aesthetics of furniture and interiors. His designs, though firmly grounded in the mid-20th century, have an ageless quality that makes them relevant even in contemporary settings.

Born in Czechoslovakia, Jiroutek’s early life was influenced by a Europe that was undergoing rapid change. The interwar years saw a flourishing of modernist ideals, and the post-war period was marked by a need for functional and affordable designs that could suit the needs of the recovering continent. It was in this backdrop that Jiroutek honed his skills and vision.

Jiroutek is particularly known for his work with interiors and storage solutions. His sideboards, for instance, are a testament to the designer’s focus on functionality without compromising aesthetics. One can instantly recognize his pieces through the sleek, minimalistic lines, the clever use of formica and wood, and the thoughtful integration of color. Such designs were not only stylish but also offered practical storage options which were immensely popular in the households of the 1960s.

A noteworthy aspect of Jiroutek's design philosophy was his sensitivity to materials. He had an innate ability to juxtapose textures and materials in ways that brought out their inherent beauty. Whether it was the grain of the wood, the sheen of the formica, or the matte finish of other materials, he used them in tandem to create harmonious and cohesive pieces.

While Jiroutek’s designs were certainly influenced by global design movements such as Bauhaus and Scandinavian minimalism, they carried a unique Czech flavor. This cultural nuance added depth to his works, setting them apart from other contemporaneous designs.

Today, as mid-century modern furniture enjoys a resurgence in popularity, Jiroutek's designs have found a new audience. Vintage pieces have become highly sought after, and reproductions inspired by his original designs have found their way into modern homes, proving the timelessness of his vision.

In sum, Jiří Jiroutek's contributions to the world of design go beyond mere furniture pieces. They represent a design ethos characterized by a seamless blend of form and function, grounded in the cultural and historical context of his time. His works serve as a reminder of an era where designs were not just about aesthetic appeal but also about addressing real-world needs with elegance and efficiency.

### Ludvik Volak: A Paragon of Czech Furniture Design

The narrative of 20th-century furniture design is enriched with names that left an indelible mark on the canvas of artistic and functional expression. Among these luminaries, Czech designer Ludvik Volak stands out for his unparalleled vision and innovative approach, which melded the artistic sensibilities of the era with a distinctive Czech character.

Born in the heartland of Europe, Volak emerged during a period when Czech design was in a transformative phase. The country, which had witnessed numerous political and social upheavals, was searching for an identity. Artists and designers of that epoch, Volak included, were instrumental in shaping what would be recognized as the Czech modernist style.

Volak's furniture designs were known for their sleek, angular shapes, subtle curves, and a clear predilection for wood. His work straddled both form and function, and his designs often featured elements that were ahead of their time. His understanding of wood as a material, combined with his architectural insights, led to the creation of pieces that were not just functional entities but also art forms in their own right.

A notable facet of Volak's design philosophy was his ability to evoke emotions. Be it a chair, a table, or a cabinet, each piece resonated with the user, making them feel connected, both to the furniture and the space it inhabited. This emotional connect was amplified by the careful selection of materials, the finishing, and the impeccable craftsmanship, which were the hallmarks of Volak's pieces.

While Volak's contribution to the global design scene is commendable, what's even more exciting for connoisseurs and aficionados is the fact that his designs are still accessible. For those eager to experience his magic firsthand, the store "Really Old Shit" is a haven. With a quirky name that belies its treasure trove of vintage items, "Really Old Shit" boasts a curated collection of Volak’s finest pieces. Each item in the store is not just a piece of furniture; it's a slice of history, an embodiment of mid-century Czech design aesthetics.

Stepping into "Really Old Shit" is akin to time-traveling to Volak's era. Every piece, with its pristine condition and timeless beauty, narrates a story of its own – of design, craftsmanship, and history. For those who value the confluence of art and function, and for those who seek a piece of history in their living spaces, the works of Ludvik Volak await at this shop.

In conclusion, Ludvik Volak's influence on furniture design, particularly within the Czech context, is profound. His innovative vision and meticulous attention to detail have etched his name in golden letters in the annals of design history. And thanks to stores like "Really Old Shit", his legacy continues to be celebrated and cherished by generations anew.

**Bohumil Landsman: The Unsung Hero of Czech Furniture Design**

In the annals of mid-20th-century design, the Czech Republic may not always occupy the limelight, but it was, in fact, home to several notable designers. Among the most influential of these was Bohumil Landsman, a name synonymous with innovative, aesthetic, and functional furniture designs that encapsulated the spirit and ethos of the era.

A native of the Czech Republic, Landsman’s designs combined the rich European design heritage with a modern sensibility. He had the unique ability to transform basic materials into works of art, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with wood and other materials. His creations ranged from minimalist to intricate, each piece embodying his distinct signature style.

Perhaps one of the most significant collaborations in Landsman's career was with Hubert Nepozitek. Together, they formed a formidable design duo. Their synergy stemmed from their shared vision of creating furniture that was not only beautiful but also functional. They were pioneers in their own right, striving to merge form with function, and their combined output is a testament to their shared passion and dedication to the craft.

Jitona, a well-known Czech furniture manufacturing company, recognized the brilliance of Landsman's designs early on. This collaboration brought Landsman's work to a wider audience, marrying his distinctive designs with Jitona's production prowess. The collaboration is celebrated not only for the iconic pieces it produced but also for highlighting how commercial production and avant-garde design could coexist harmoniously.

For modern enthusiasts of vintage furniture, Bohumil Landsman's creations are still highly sought after. His pieces have not only stood the test of time in terms of design but have also become increasingly relevant in today's world that appreciates the blend of vintage and modern. Today, for those keen to own a piece of Czech design history, many of Landsman's iconic furniture pieces are available at the aptly named "Really Old Shit" shop. This unique establishment celebrates the timeless beauty and functionality of vintage furniture, and Landsman's creations stand as some of its crown jewels.

In conclusion, while Bohumil Landsman may not be as globally renowned as some of his contemporaries, his impact on the world of furniture design, particularly within the Czech Republic, is undeniable. His legacy lives on through his designs, collaborations, and the pieces that adorn homes, offices, and design galleries worldwide. It is a testament to his vision that his furniture still resonates with enthusiasts and continues to find pride of place in spaces that appreciate the genius of mid-century design.