N/A Ernest Race, DA2 Armchairs, 1949

DA2 armchairs by Ernest Race

Ernest Race used a welded steel-rod frame to create an elegant and organic form in this series of furniture designs.

The innovative use of a steel-rod structure provided for a sinuous and visually lightweight design. The organic form reflects fine art movements from the period and the work of Jean Arp and Henry Moore. The furniture was progressive both in construction and outline, and the design of the DA series was in stark contrast with the bulky and heavy forms available in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Race’s winged and buttoned back and flowing lines were echoed in Northern Europe in the work of Finn Juhl and were later the organic shapes became more accepted typography in upholstered seating.

The DA2 armchair formed part of a small family of lounge chairs in various dimensions.

Race is best known for his iconic design for the Festival of Britain in 1951, the Antelope chair. The exposed frame is in essence a stripped-down version of his DA series of upholstered chairs and sofas from the late 1940s.

Ernest Race practiced both furniture and textile design. His understanding of materials and processes allowed for a diverse output of furniture in aluminium, steel, plywood and upholstery. Race was widely awarded for his designs during his short career and his historically important work appears in museum collections worldwide.