Created by Dutch industrial designer Friso Kramer (1922–2019) in 1953, the lightweight, simple, curved sheet steel and plastic four-legged Revolt chair is among the Netherlands’ most revered pieces of furniture, and yet its author remains relatively unknown. Kramer’s works shaped many different spheres of Dutch life, from mailboxes to streetlights to furniture, and revolutionized postwar design. According to him, “If form does not contribute to function, it has no right to exist.”
Friso Kramer was the son of famous architect Piet Kramer and got his own start studying architecture and interior design at Amsterdam’s Institute of Applied Art. After 1948, Kramer worked as a designer at furniture manufacturer Ahrend de Cirkel and later cofounded the highly influential design studio Total Design. In the 1950s, Kramer became involved in the Stichting Goed Wonen (Good Living Foundation), whose mission was to aid with reconstruction after the war and to improve the general lack of style and materials during this time. It was also during this time that he began designing several metal and plastic chairs, among them the Revolt chair, which became one of the first mass-produced pieces of furniture and a darling of Dutch mid-century modernism.
The Revolt chair was exhibited at the Milan Triennial in 1954. Its construction reflected modern-day research in ergonomics and was widely used in private homes as well as public spaces. Over time, the versatile Revolt chair has become one of Kramer’s most recognizable designs. Following a couple of relaunches, it is still in production today by Royal Ahrend.
Examples of the Revolt chair are in the permanent collection of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam, which devoted an exhibition to Kramer’s work in 1991. Kramer’s contribution to postwar design was honored with the title Royal Designer for Industry by the Royal Society of Arts in London in 1979.
Friso Kramer Revolt chairs Ahrend duo tone Netherlands 1953
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This set of four rare duo-tone Revolt chairs, designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in Holland in 1953, is a fine example of Dutch industrial design. Although the Revolt chai...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt chairs wood for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super nice set of eight revolt dining chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland, 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production starte...
Metal
$11,751 / set
Set of six rare Friso Kramer Revolt theater chairs
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A stunning set of folding and stackable Revolt chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. This exceptionally rare set was designed in 1953 and produced for only four years. The des...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs for Ahrend de Cirkel 1963
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super nice and scarce set 6 Revolt chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in...
Metal
Set of 6 Revolt Chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Netherlands, 1956
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The 'Revolt' chair was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. An award winning design that has become an icon of Dutch industrial design from the 1950's. This solid chair has...
Metal
Set of Four Friso Kramer 'Result' Chairs for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1960
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Mid-Century 'Result' chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. Each chair features a molded teak plywood seat and backrest mounted to a gray enameled metal fr...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Folding Chair for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1953
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Revolt folding chair designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in 1958. The chair...
Metal
Set of Six Early Edition Red Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs with Black Frames
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally designed in 1953 by possibly the greatest of all Dutch Mid-Century designers, Friso Kramer, and created for renowned furniture maker Ahrend de Cirkel The Revolt was intend...
Steel
Set of Six Adjustable Architect Stools Designed by Friso Kramer
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Adjustable and swivel Industrial architect stools with seats are made in plywood, the base in gray lacquered metal.-The height is adjustable from 55 cm...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt chairs teak The Netherlands 1960
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super nice set of 6 original Revolt dining chairs designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in...
Metal
'Revolt' Chair by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, the Netherlands, 1953
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The 'Revolt' chair was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. An award winning design that has become an icon of Dutch industrial design from the 1950s. The chair has a folde...
Metal
$9,600Sale Price / set|40% Off
Extremely Rare Set of 8 Friso Kramer 'theatre' Chairs with Fold Up Seats
By Friso Kramer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
In 1959 Friso Kramer transformed his 1953 Revolt chair into his absolute masterpiece, the 'theatre" chair, a Revolt chair that was linkable, stackable with a fold up seat for use mai...
Steel
Friso Kramer Revolt chair TH Delft Ahrend Netherlands 1958
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Revolt Chair designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel in The Netherlands 1953. This rare first production Revolt chair is one of the most significant examples of...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs Set 1953 Black Blue Liver Colors
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice set of six Revolt chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in 1958. The c...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt for TH Delft by Ahrend de Cirkel 1958 Arms
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare first production Revolt armchair designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland, 1953. This chair was made for the TH Delft who commissioned Friso Kramer and Ahrend to decorate the new interior. These famous TH Delft chairs...
Metal
$2,820 / set
H 29.14 in W 19.69 in D 11.82 in
Set of Six Adjustable Architect Stools Designed by Friso Kramer
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Adjustable and swivel Industrial architect stools with seats are made in plywood, the base in gray lacquered metal.-The height is adjustable from 55 cm...
Metal
Set Of Six Upholstered Ion Dining Chairs By Gideon Kramer
By Gideon Kramer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of six, mid-century modern, side dining "Ion" chairs designed by the visonary American designer, artist, and inventor, Gideon Kramer features chrome-plated steel 4 prong bas...
Chrome
$495
H 23 in W 15.25 in D 13.25 in
Mid-Century Friso Kramer Adjustable Height Drafting Stool, Blonde Plywood
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Backless drafting stool designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel features blonde plywood seat mounted on enameled metal pedestal base. Height adjusts from 16 to 23 inches via or...
Metal, Enamel
$2,820 / set
H 31.11 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
1970's Vintage Retro 6 Gert de Lange for Thornet ''The Flex'' Chairs
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in amstelveen, NL
Set of 8 chairs designed by Gert De Lange and made by Thornet, the chair was call ''The Flex'' chair and was awarded the 'Gute Form' price in 1969, black...
Plastic
Mid-Century Friso Kramer Adjustable Drafting Stool, Blonde Plywood
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Backless drafting stool designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel features a circular blonde plywood seat mounted on an adjustable height mechanism with tripod base. The design e...
Metal, Enamel, Steel
Sold|$1,150
H 43.5 in W 15.5 in D 22.5 in
Mid-Century Friso Kramer Drafting Stool, Birch Plywood, Gray Enameled Metal
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Friso Kramer drafting stool designed for Ahrend de Cirkel represents Dutch functionalist design at its finest. The stool features molded birch plywood seat and back paired with ...
Metal, Enamel, Steel
$7,051 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 19.3 in
Vico Magistretti Midcentury “Carimate” Dining Chair for Cassina, 1963, Set of 4
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 4 “Carimate” chairs designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1963. Initially commissioned for the Carimate Golf club near Milan, they were then produced for t...
Beech, Straw
Rare Set of Six Thonet Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Set of Six Beautiful Original Thonet Dining Chairs. Ready for a new home.
Fabric, Oak, Bentwood
Industrial Stool Attributed to Friso Kramer
By Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The stool features a sturdy metal frame in a sleek and minimalist design, typical of mid-century industrial furniture. The swivel mechanism allows for easy movement and adjustability...
Metal
$1,410
H 31.5 in W 16.93 in D 18.51 in
Wim Rietveld Midcentury, Black Grey Pyramid Chair Netherlands, circa 1960s
By Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pyramid chair by Wim Rietveld, circa 1960. Produced by Ahrend de Cirkel in Netherlands. In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautifu...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Folding Chair for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1953
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Revolt folding chair designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in 1958. The chair...
Metal
$9,600Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 31.11 in W 18.12 in D 18.9 in
Extremely Rare Set of 8 Friso Kramer 'theatre' Chairs with Fold Up Seats
By Friso Kramer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
In 1959 Friso Kramer transformed his 1953 Revolt chair into his absolute masterpiece, the 'theatre" chair, a Revolt chair that was linkable, stackable with a fold up seat for use mai...
Steel
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Revolt dining chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend, Netherlands 1960s
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in ECHT, NL
Iconic industrial chair. Designed by Dutch designer Friso Kramer in 1954. the chairs were produced by Ahrend de Cirkel. The seat and back are made from Ciranol. A high density compac...
Steel
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Friso Kramer Revolt chair red black Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1953
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice “Revolt” chair designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1953. This chair has an original folded black lacquered metal frame and a red ciranol seat and...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Friso Kramer Revolt chair red grey Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1953
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice “Revolt” chair designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1953. This chair has an original folded light grey lacquered metal frame and a red ciranol sea...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Folding Chair for Sandra
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare set of Revolt folding chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production started in 1...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 18.12 in
Set/6 Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs Ahrend the Circkel the Netherlands, 1960s
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Almelo, NL
Set/6 Friso Kramer Revolt chairs Ahrend the Circkel the Netherlands 1960s Friso Kramer "Revolt" chairs for Ahrend de Cirkel designed in 1953. Light grey, nearly white folded sheet ...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs Set Ahrend the Netherlands 1960
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic set of 6 so called 'Revolt' chairs designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1960s. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the prod...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Set early ‘Revolt’ chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1958
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare set early ‘Revolt’ chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1958. These chairs features a metal base and ciranol ...
Metal, Steel
Friso Kramer 'Revolt' Chair in Pink Velvet
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly Upholstered Pink Velvet Friso Kramer 'Revolt' Chair with Black Enameled Metal Frame. Classic Design with Youthful Pop! Frame in Original Condition with Wear Consistent with its...
Metal
Set of 4 Friso Kramer Revolt Chairs with Grey Metal Frames
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally designed in 1953 by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. The Revolt is Widely Considered by the Dutch to be the Perfect Chair. A System of Folding Sheet Steel was Developed ...
Steel
Sold
H 29.73 in Dm 47.45 in
Friso Kramer Early Edition Revolt Chairs + Rare Matching Round Reform Table 1953
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
4 Revolt chairs and a matching round Reform table by Dutch designer Friso Kramer for Ahrend De Cirkel Friso Kramer is considered as the Dutch Jean Prouve and made his design for t...
Aluminum, Sheet Metal
Sold
H 32.09 in W 18.31 in D 16.74 in
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Chairs "Revolt" by Friso Kramer for Ahrend
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Doornspijk, NL
The Revolt chair was designed by Friso Kramer in 1953 and has since become an icon of Dutch Design. The chairs used to be omnipresent in government buildings and universities. Nowada...
Steel
Friso Kramer Plywood 'Revolt' Chair
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury Friso Kramer 'Revolt' chair with lightly refinished plywood seating on light grey enameled metal frame. Frame in original condition with visible scratches and wear consist...
Metal
