Restored Fred Lowen ‘Fleronde’ Swivel Armchair in Original Scottish Tartan Wool | 1964

An iconic piece of Australian design history, the Fleronde was designed by the legendary Fred Lowen AM for FLER circa 1964.

The story of the Fleronde is one of the most significant in Australian design. Conceived by Fred Lowen during a 1964 sabbatical in Stuttgart, Germany, it was a bold move away from traditional timber frames and into the world of European Bauhaus-inspired molded shells. This particular "Type B" configuration is a documented piece of history, with the exact model held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

This chair is a true survivor, retaining its original Scottish Tartan wool and black vinyl. To preserve its 60-year soul, we have left the original materials intact; the vinyl and chrome base show an honest patina and light marks commensurate with age, a "life well-lived" that verifies its mid-century heritage.

While the exterior is all original character, the interior is brand new. We have stripped out the 60-year-old foam and fully rebuilt the soul of the chair with:

• Brand-new high-density premium foam for lifetime longevity.

• Contoured pressure-relief foam at the headrest, making it significantly more comfortable than the 1960s original.

• Fully serviced 360° chrome swivel mechanism for smooth, sturdy rotation.

• Original Scottish Tartan wool with new internal dust cover for a clean, professional finish.

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of NGV-documented history that has been sympathetically updated for the modern home.

Condition:

Restored and in excellent vintage condition with minor traces of age and patina.

While the chair has been fully revitalised internally with brand-new premium foam, we have made the conscious choice to preserve its authentic 60-year character. The original black vinyl and 360° chrome base present with a beautiful, light patina and  very minor surface marks — honest signs of a life well-lived that verify its mid-century heritage.

The original Scottish Tartan wool remains vibrant and has been professionally dry cleaned, offering a rare opportunity to own this design in its most sought-after original textile

Dimensions: H. 900 x W. 740 x D. 720mm

(Seat: W. 590 x D. 600mm )