Mid2Mod: Jindřich Halabala

Jindřich Halabala (1903-1978) was a Czech furniture designer. He trained to be a cabinetmaker at his father's joinery shop. He later attended the Woodworking School in Valašské Meziříčí. His practicum was done at United Woodcrafts Manufacturers in Brno, and he then enrolled in the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague.

After graduating in 1926, he briefly worked in the studio of Bohumil Hübschmann before taking the position of director of the UP company's Prague outlet. As a result of his talent and skills, he moved up quickly in the company, being promoted to head of the design studio of the Brno branch and then soon becoming the firm's development manager, remaining in that position until 1946.

Halabala was instrumental in the concept and design of UP's multi-functional modular line, manufactured completely in-house. This broad range of products made it possible for whole apartments or office to be furnished exclusively with UP products. In addition to being responsible for design and production of these products, Halabala was also in charge of product promotion and sales strategy.

In 1931 Halabala introduced five wooden armchairs, all of which had streamlined, looped armrests and bases but with different seats and backrests. He is probably best known for these chairs.

From prague-art.cz and deconet.com