Sitting Pretty – Armchairs by James Richardson Furniture

Six key armchairs form a fitting foundation for James Richardson Furniture’s (JRF) extensive collection of iconic furniture.

The compilation of armchairs, appropriately coined ‘Sitting Pretty’, reflects the values long upheld by JRF. “Whilst different in style, each of our chairs share in common the principal of harmonious design, exceptional quality and innovation,” says Georgia Danos, Creative & Brand Director of JRF. “Whether crafted from moulded plywood, Vienna straw, hand-braided rope or plush upholstery, each piece is imbued with a unique design sensibility, balancing style, comfort and value in a way that is only seen in hand-crafted pieces. With our offering predominately manufactured and designed in Europe, each chair is meticulously crafted and made to last.”

The compilation of armchairs, dutifully coined ‘Sitting Pretty’, reflects the values long upheld by JRF.

Designed by Italian-born Alex Gufler, the Armchair Merano is one of the most successful pieces in JRF’s collection. The Armchair Merano was awarded the Reddot Design Award Winner in 2011, as well as receiving German Design Award Special Mention in 2015. The armchair is also available as a Merano Lounge Armchair; this design combines solid wooden legs with bent plywood – the backrest and armrest are joined as a single piece, with the interior covered in upholstery. Alex’s passion for furniture design is reflected in the chair’s intricate craftsmanship, guaranteeing comfort, class and an exceptional level of detail.

The Colony Armchair is a versatile and modern piece, with its cushioned interior and contemporary silhouette. Designed by Skrivo Design, the Colony Armchair is characterised by the use of Vienna straw, giving a lightness to the solid structure. The armchair is available in a range of colours and materials; however, the seat can only be produced in Vienna straw. Another armchair that loudly proclaims evocative use of shape and elegance is the Jazz 3716 Armchair, designed by Pedrali. This chair, on the other hand, is supported by a light steel structure, but can also be personalised through different steel materials, fabrics or imitation leader.

Whilst different in style, each of our chairs share in common the principal of harmonious design, exceptional quality and innovation,” says Georgia Danos, Creative & Brand Director of JRF.

Designer Michael Thonet’s creation Armchair 30 continues to this day to conjure an image of timeless character. Well known as an inventor, cabinet-maker and designer in the 1800s, the oldest original Michael Thonet factory still in production is Bystřice pod Hostýnem, now known as TON. Armchair 30 is available in plywood, either upholstered or covered with cane.

Influenced by contemporary, honest and simple design, another clean-lined design is the Alpha Armchair by Matteo Cibic. The elegant Alpha Armchair is notable for its distinctive and considered use of wood, matched against appropriate fabric, leather and weavings. Francesco Beghetto’s Sergia Armchair is also a design that values simplicity. The armchair quietly expresses its comfort and presence without overtaking, remaining a steady component of any interior.