Rare Industrial Factory Bauhaus Chair, model IV by Rowac, circa 1940s

Vintage Industrial Stool by Robert Wagner for Rowac, c. 1940s

Discover a masterpiece of industrial design with the Robert Wagner Model IV Stool for Rowac, a timeless piece from the 1940s that epitomizes the fusion of functionality and minimalistic elegance. Crafted in Chemnitz, Germany, by the renowned Rowac (Karl Robert Wagner in Chemnitz), this iconic three-legged stool stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of industrial aesthetics and the Bauhaus movement's principles.

 

Constructed from durable steel and featuring a classic black cast iron base, the Rowac Stool not only showcases an indestructible design but also embodies the Bauhaus ideal of functionalist beauty. Its light yet sturdy structure, complemented by a round wooden seat and back.

 

Proudly displayed in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna and the Institute of Art History at Delft University of Technology, this stool is not just a piece of furniture but a piece of history. Once utilized in the workshops of the Bauhaus school under the discerning eye of Walter Gropius, it now enjoys a cult status among collectors and design aficionados alike.

 

Rare and increasingly sought after, this Rowac stool is a collector's dream, offering a glimpse into the revolutionary world of early 20th-century industrial design. Whether for its historical significance or its timeless aesthetic, the Robert Wagner Stool for Rowac is a must-have for any enthusiast of Bauhaus and Art Deco design.

 

 

The Robert Wagner Stool for Rowac is a significant piece in the history of industrial design, reflecting the ethos of the Bauhaus movement and the early 20th-century shift towards functionalism in furniture design.

 

The Stool

This stool, characterized by its simple, three-legged design and durable steel construction, was groundbreaking for its time. It features a round wooden seat (initially made of solid wood and later plywood) and back atop a black cast iron base, embodying the Bauhaus principle of form following function. The stool's minimalist design and industrial materials made it versatile for use in various settings, from workshops to modern homes. Its durability and utility were prioritized, with every aspect of its construction designed for longevity and ease of use.

Today, the three-legged stool is one of Rowac's best-known products. It was not only offered in different heights, but also with a backrest (model IV), as a four-legged version with a rectangular wooden seat (model II), as a folding stool and for special applications also as a height-adjustable swivel stool (model III).

 

History

The stool was first designed in 1905 and debuted at the Leipzig Fair in 1909, quickly becoming known for its innovative use of lightweight sheet metal. It gained prominence when Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus movement, chose it for the Bauhaus school in Dessau, recognizing its alignment with the movement's focus on functional, accessible design. The Rowac stool was not only a fixture in the Bauhaus workshops but also became a symbol of the school's revolutionary approach to art, design, and education.

Throughout its production, the stool has seen various iterations, including different models with backrests or adjustable heights. However, its core design principles remained unchanged, emphasizing simplicity, durability, and utility.

 

The Designer and Rowac

Robert Wagner, the founder of Rowac (an abbreviation of Karl RObert WAgner in Chemnitz), was a visionary designer and entrepreneur. He established his company in 1888 in Chemnitz, Saxony, and initially focused on industrial furniture. Wagner was ahead of his time in recognizing the importance of functional design in the workplace. His products, particularly the stools, were praised for their ergonomic features and the health benefits they provided to workers.

Rowac became synonymous with high-quality industrial furniture, and its products were used in various prestigious institutions, including the Bauhaus school. The company's commitment to quality and innovation made it a leader in its field, and Robert Wagner's designs have left a lasting legacy in the world of industrial design.

Today, the Rowac stool is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its aesthetic appeal and functionality. It remains highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts, representing a key moment in the evolution of modern design.

 

Industrial Factory Chair By Rowac Circa 1940s 

- Steel frame 

- Ply seat and backrest 

- Relief "Rowac" branding on all 3 legs 

- Designed by Robert Wagner 

- Germany

Measurements: 

– Height: 93,5 cm 

– S. Diameter: 35 cm

– S. Height: 60 cm

 

 

Condition is very good, it's sturdy and ready for the next 100 years of intensive use. Great patina on the cast iron tripod base. The seat has been lightly restored, has a beautifully smooth finish and sealed

 

 

Read more here and here 

Prices do not include delivery.

 

Cape Town delivery is calculated at check-out.

 

For delivery outside Cape Town please contact us. Delivery to these areas is quoted based on the item's dimensions. We can unfortunately not reserve any items until transport has been finalized.

 

We can arrange shipping in Cape Town and arrange or recommend courier for the rest of the country. 

For larger items, we work with an external service that can handle your delivery. Delivery is made by appointment and we make every effort to give you a 2-hour time window on the date of delivery.

​Please note that most shippers deliver alone so you may be expected to help on one end in bringing your piece inside. Please be aware that additional charges may apply in cases of access challenges, such as stairs, etc.

Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.

 

We deliver locally within Cape Town for a fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person.  Collections must be made within 7 days of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods. 

 

For local Cape Town deliveries: We provide a complimentary layer of bubble wrap in our packaging. However, for a more thorough and secure wrapping approach to guarantee the safe arrival of your item, we suggest opting for our comprehensive packaging solution. This solution encompasses multiple layers of bubble wrap, cardboard and foam as needed, and pallet wrap. There is an additional charge of R150-350, depending on the size of the item, to cover the cost of this enhanced service and materials. To arrange for this option, kindly get in touch with us via email: vintageclubhq@gmail.com

 

 

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

 

As to be expected with vintage items, this item may have minor amounts of wear. All of our items are available to view prior to purchase.

Although all effort is made to lightly refurbish and clean our furniture to best represent their original state, it must be noted that the majority of the items we source date from before 1980’s. For this reason signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We try to point out any visible concerns. 

Please note that all items are described to the best of our ability, we strongly encourage our clients to closely inspect item photos, descriptions, and details before purchasing anything. Please review all images as they are considered part of the item description. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

 

VINTAGE CONDITIONS:

excellent - Like new, exhibiting minimal to no indications of wear, with scarcely any visible signs of age or use.
very good - Light use marks and signs of age, such as minor scratches and minimal wear on areas like feet or inconspicuous spots on veneer or leather.
good - Displays light to moderate scratches, with some more noticeable blemishes. May have small damages and stains, and the possibility of ring marks. Leather may exhibit small rips. 
fair - Exhibits more pronounced scratches, including lighter ones in many prominent areas (e.g., the top of a sideboard). Leather may show tears and stress marks

Unfortunately we currently only deliver in Cape Town area, but you are welcome to arrange courier on your side, we can also arrange on your behalf. 

Shipment outside of Cape Town is NOT calculated at check-out and is quoted based on the item's dimensions and or weight.

Unfortunately we can not reserve any items until shipping has been finalized (the item should be purchased and checked out, with payment confirmation received if paid via EFT).

After purchase, we can assist you with costs from our preferred supplier. 

Please note that all items shipped outside of Cape Town are wrapped extensively, we charge a small packaging fee depending on the item, starting cost of R150 per individual item. The cost of wrapping depends on the size of the item. For ALL our items, especially fragile items, i.e. glass and mirrors we recommend professional crating.

 

For fragile items or items that have glass elements we don't recommend shipment and transport outside of Cape Town. 

 

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

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