Revolt Folding Chairs by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Netherlands, 1958, Set of 2

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Rare Revolt folding chairs designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel in Holland, 1953. This exceptional pair … Read more Rare Revolt folding chairs designed by Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel in Holland, 1953. This exceptional pair represents one of the lesser seen and most intriguing variations within Kramer’s celebrated Revolt series. Although the design dates back to 1953, actual production of the Revolt began in 1958, marking a pivotal moment in Dutch industrial design. The folding version was produced in far smaller quantities and primarily supplied to a limited number of institutional buildings in the Netherlands and Belgium, which makes surviving examples such as these particularly rare. Both chairs feature the characteristic folded sheet steel frame, finished in white and light grey lacquer. The construction is remarkably strong and efficient, reflecting Kramer’s uncompromising functionalist philosophy. The seats and backs are executed in blue and black ciranol, a pressed phenol-formaldehyde material that was innovative for its time. The ciranol surfaces on this pair remain in very nice original condition, showing only minimal wear after decades of use and no cracks or chips. The frames display honest patina and wear consistent with age, adding to their authentic industrial character. Friso Kramer’s work is widely regarded as progressive and timeless. Despite being designed over seventy years ago, the Revolt remains in production today at Ahrend, with only subtle material updates while the original silhouette remains intact. Kramer’s methodical development process resulted in furniture that combined industrial efficiency with exceptional ergonomics. His work is often compared to that of Jean Prouvé, and it is no coincidence that museums frequently exhibit the Revolt chair alongside Prouvé’s Standard chair. This folding Revolt is a highly collectible and hard to find model, full of subtle technical details that reveal the intelligence behind its design. For many, it stands as one of Kramer’s most compelling creations and a true icon of postwar European modernism.

Literature; Friso Kramer’s Chair, Yvonne Brentjens, NAI 010 publishers. Page 92-95. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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