The son of a furniture dealer and upholsterer, Jaroslav Smidek, like Jan Vanek and Jindrich Halabala, was born into the trade. Growing up, he helped out in the family workshop, where he learned his father’s craft.
Although he trained as an architect, Smidek quickly turned to industrial design, developing Montisektor furnishings, a line of pieces that could be assembled at home from prefabricated parts, in 1956 for VNP — a significant advance in Czech furniture production.
But it is his seating, such as the chairs he created for Jitona in the 1960s, that is most in demand. While his chairs carry a Scandinavian touch, there is no mistaking the gentle elegance of their uniquely Eastern European aesthetic.
Find vintage Jaroslav Smidek furniture today on 1stDibs.
Rare Armchair by Jedrachowicz Racinowski, 345 Type, 1950s, Poland
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Extremely rare model 345 armchair designed by two students of interior design, Janina Jedrachowicz and Konrad Racinowski in the mid-1950s and briefly produced by Poznanskie Zaklady M...
Textile, Beech
366 Armchair, Jozef Chierowski, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The 366 armchair is an icon of the Polish design of the PRL period. The famous armchair was designed in 1962 by the Polish interior designer and furnit...
Textile, Beech
Two Armchairs Designed by Jaroslav Šmidek for Ton, Czech Republic, 1960s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A pair of armchairs designed by Jaroslav Šmídek, model 53, produced by TON in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. These striking examples of mid-century Czech design feature sculptural ...
Velvet, Beech
Mid Century 366 Armchair in Light Linen, by Jozef Chierowski, Poland, 1960s
By Jozef Chierowski
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The 366 armchair is an icon of the polish design of the PRL period. The famous armchair was designed in 1962 by the Polish interior designer and furniture designer Jozef Marian Chierowski. Produced in the Lower Silesian Furniture Factory in Swiebodzice. The chair has a simple, modernist form. It consists of an upholstered seat combined with a wooden backrest. The organic shape is typical of the 1960s style. The chair is very ergonomic and comfortable, as the furniture designs of that time were largely focused on the user. Due to its small size, the furniture fits perfectly into the interiors of contemporary apartments...
Textile, Beech
Mid-Century Modern 366 Armchair, Jozef Chierowski, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The 366 armchair is an icon of the polish design of the PRL period. The famous armchair was designed in 1962 by the Polish interior designer and furnit...
Textile, Beech
Mid-Century Melange Dante Armchair, H. Lis, 1960s
By Henryk Lis
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A beautiful, restored armchair designed by Henryk Lis. Furniture after full carpentry and upholstery renovation. The fabric, which is covered with a backrest and a seat, is a high-qu...
Textile, Beech
1960s Armchair By Jaroslav šmídek For Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Jaroslav Smidek, TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
A beautifully restored mid-century armchair, originally designed by Jaroslav Šmídek and produced by TON in 1960s Czechoslovakia. The piece has been newly upholstered in a rich, dark ...
Fabric, Bentwood
Midcentury Armchair by Jan Vanek for Krasna Jizba, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
This lounge chair by Jan Vanek for Krasna Jizba was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1950s. The hemp straps have been renewed and the wooden parts repainted. The cushions hav...
Oak, Fabric
1960s Beech Armchair by Jaroslav Smidek for TON, Czechoslovakia
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of wood and fabric The seat needs new fabric Measure: Seat height 45 cm.
Fabric, Wood
Adjustable Armchair by Jan Vanek for Krásná Jizba 1940s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Adjustable armchair by Jan Vanek for Krásná Jizba 1940s. Professionally stained and repolished.
Fabric, Wood
1960s Beech Armchair by Jaroslav Smidek for TON, Czechoslovakia
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished - The seat height is 42 cm
Wood, Beech
Mid Century Armchair by Ton, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful Mid-century armchair with typical design for the era. Produced in Czechoslovakia by TON, original label still attached. The chair is partially restored with newly restored ...
Fabric, Oak
