Steel Sofas

An elegant and rare tubular steel modernist sofa attributed to PEL (Practical Equipment Ltd) The chromium plated steel wraps around the back and forms the armrests. It is upholstered in an old neutral textile and is ready for recovering. This sofa was commissioned for the lobby of a series of odeon cinemas opened in the early 1930's, notably the Muswell Hill Odeon, designed by George Coles. This sofa offers a rarely found intact example of British modernism in the golden age of cinema, influenced by the 30s designs of the German Bauhaus and their pioneering work in tubular steel furniture. The frame bears all the hallmarks and design details of Practical Equipment Ltd. It was most likely designed for PEL by either Oliver Bernard or Serge Chermayeff. We offer in-house upholstery and advice on suitable fabrics to complete this sofa's restoration. Price on application. Practical Equipment Ltd, known later simply as PEL, were the leading manufacturers of modernist tubular steel furniture in Britain. Established in Oldbury, near Birmingham the company was formed in 1931 by parent company Tube Investments, who were hoping to emulate the success of Thonet in producing tubular steel furniture. Critically acclaimed designers who worked with PEL included Oliver Bernard, Bruno Pollak and Serge Chermayeff. Design projects of note which featured PEL furniture...

Covered with blue velvet, legs made in steel with patinated gun-metal finish and brass. Origin: private collection, London. Bibliography: Viviane Jutheau, Jules et André Lele...