A rare set of four Q-Rod chairs designed by Robin Day for Hille in 1953.
The Q-Rod chairs timeless design have earned them a place as a cherished piece in the history of British mid-century design and are included in an exhibition at the V&A to celebrate the centenary of Robin Day's birth.
Constructed from moulded beech plywood with Nigerian cherry veneer, set upon painted tubular steel legs. These are a rare variant of the stacking Q-Stak Chair.
In original vintage condition with beautiful worn patina to both the wood and the steel legs. Some marks and chips commensurate with age and use. Slight variation in colour which adds to the uniqueness of these fabulous vintage chairs. Have been cleaned and oiled.
Robin Day was a British designer whose work redefined modern furniture and shaped the landscape of 20th-century design. His philosophy centered on creating high-quality, stylish furniture that could be mass-produced and accessible to everyone, not just the elite. His innovative use of materials like molded plastic and bent plywood, paired with a minimalist aesthetic, revolutionised the industry. Collaborating closely with Hille Furniture, Day’s designs became synonymous with post-war modernism, gracing homes, schools, and public spaces worldwide. Beyond his design achievements, Day was a champion of sustainability, advocating for durable, responsible production methods long before it became a mainstream concern. Hille’s promotional brochure states, “Correct support is given to the lumbar region of the back” showing Day’s early adoption of ergonomics.
Very desirable furniture to add a distinct mid century modern aesthetic to your home.
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Hille is one of the most important names in British mid century furniture design, best known for its long and highly influential collaboration with designer Robin Day.
The company was founded in London in 1906 by Salamon Hille, initially producing high-quality traditional furniture. Under the direction of his daughter Ray Hille, the company underwent a dramatic transformation after the Second World War, moving away from reproduction furniture and embracing modern British design.
Robin Day began working with Hille in 1949 following his success in the Museum of Modern Art’s International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture. Over the following decades he became central to Hille’s identity, designing not only furniture but also the company's logo, catalogues, exhibition stands and showrooms.
The partnership produced some of the most recognisable furniture of post-war Britain, from early timber designs such as Hilleplan and Hillestak through to the revolutionary polypropylene chairs of the 1960s. Hille’s willingness to experiment with new materials and manufacturing techniques helped establish the company as a leading force in modern furniture production.
Today, original Hille furniture is valued both for its understated modernist styling and for its important place in the history of British design.
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Shan (verified owner) – April 9, 2025
The chairs are great and just as I expected. Sallie-Ann was incredibly helpful and replied to my messages immediately. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from her again. Thanks!
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Robin Day (1915-2010) was one of the most influential British furniture designers of the 20th century and a key figure in the development of post-war modern design.
Born in High Wycombe, Day studied at the Royal College of Art before gaining international recognition when he and Clive Latimer won the storage category of the Museum of Modern Art’s International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture. This success brought him to the attention of Hille, beginning a collaboration that would last for decades.
Day believed strongly in creating affordable, functional furniture for modern life. His early work for Hille explored timber, plywood and steel, producing designs such as the Hilleplan storage system, Hillestak chair and furniture for the Royal Festival Hall. His designs were characterised by economical construction, clean lines and an absence of unnecessary decoration.
During the 1960s, Day and Hille pioneered the use of polypropylene in furniture manufacture. His moulded Polypropylene Chair became one of the most successful chair designs of the modern era, bringing good design into homes, schools, offices and public spaces around the world.
Day was appointed a Royal Designer for Industry in 1959 and awarded an OBE in 1983. His work remains closely associated with the optimistic, practical spirit of post-war British modernism and continues to be highly regarded by collectors of twentieth-century design.
My beautiful bentwood ply nest of tables arrived today. Sympathetically restored, and looking even better than they did in the pictures. What an amazing little company, a pleasure from start to finish, making everything so easy. What Speedy delivery, and impeccably packaged. I shall definitely be perusing your collection of quality items for future purchases. We'll deserved 5 stars!
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