Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Best known for his sleek, Bauhaus style, designer Robert Slezák was a pioneer in the manufacturing of chrome and bent-metal furniture during the early 20th century.
Born in the town of Bystřice pod Hostýnem in today’s Czech Republic, Slezák originally trained as a locksmith and in 1908 established a locksmith’s workshop in his hometown. What began as a small business providing common locksmith products grew into the Slezák Factory, which made brass fittings for furniture and buildings. In 1911, Slezák became one of the first manufacturers in Europe to use a galvanic coating of copper, chromium and nickel on the surface of his products.
Starting in 1913, Slezák focused on designing and producing brass and metal furniture with wood accents, like chairs, beds and tables. By the 1930s, Slezák’s furniture style began to evolve towards mid-century modern and Bauhaus design, leading to streamlined and tubular three-seat sofas, stools, bent-metal chairs, wood and chrome coffee tables, desks, lighting and cabinets. During this time, Slezák also collaborated with the Czech furniture company Ton N.P. Bystřice pod Hostýnem on pieces including his Bauhaus chrome and walnut side table.
After 1948, Slezák’s firm became part of the Kovona furniture-making company, which continued to produce and recreate Slezák’s designs from the 1950s to the 1980s. Since 1992, the Czech furniture manufacturer has been known as Kovonax.
Today, Slezák’s designs remain highly sought after by interior designers and collectors of mid-century and Bauhaus furniture.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Robert Slezák seating, tables, lighting and more.
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Chrome, Steel
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Steel, Chrome
20th Century Czech Bauhaus Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Chrome, Steel
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Stainless Steel
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Concrete
1930s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Chrome
19th Century European Antique Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Iron
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Bronze
1930s Danish Other Vintage Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Wood
1970s American Vintage Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Stainless Steel
Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Wood
Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Revival Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Marble
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Walnut
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Metal
20th Century Czech Bauhaus Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Chrome
20th Century Czech Bauhaus Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Chrome
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Robert Slezák Building and Garden Elements
Chrome