A Factory Chair Turned Collector’s Item

The Ironrite Health Chair, designed by Herman H. Sperlich in 1938 for the Ironrite Ironer Co. in Detroit, Michigan, is made of steel and lacquered plywood. Originally designed for workers using the company’s mangle ironing machines, the chair is in the permanent collection at MoMA.

Above: An ergonomic Ironrite Chair, featuring a pivoting back rest, is $365 at Factory 20.

Above: More views of the Ironrite chair on offer from Factory 20. More sources for a similar chair: Etsy seller Mechanical Junkie has one for $225; Atomic Warehouse is offering one for $225, and Etsy seller Dale Long has one for $79.

Above: Atelier 154 in Paris features the Chaise Sperlich on its blog.

Above: An Ironrite Chair from Factory 20 (sold) in a wood finish.

This post is an update; the original ran on May 14, 2009.