Rotmayer, Otto

Otto Rotmayer (1892 Prague – 1966 Prague)

Garden chair, the 1950s

roxor (reinforcing wire), varnish; 73×43×57 cm, acquired in 1998, Olomouc Museum of Art, inv. no. UŽ 23

The garden chair by Otto Rothmayer is made of roxor – industrial refuse, welded reinforced wire, finished in white varnish, and is based on the aesthetics of garden furniture. It was originally designed for the terrace of the Theresian Wing of Prague Castle. (This furniture was photographed by Josef Sudek in poetic pictures taken in the garden of Rothmayer’s house). The original construction of this sturdy and elegant chair reveals the designer’s feel for a balance of form and creative playfulness. The use of industrial material for the chair foretells later trends in modern art.