Vintage Luxury
Pre order - Original Genuine fully restored Featherston contour armchair R160 matching ottoman
Authentic Vintage Grant Featherston R160 Contour Armchair & Matching Footstool
Designed in 1951 by Grant Featherston, the R160 Contour Chair is widely considered the ultimate Holy Grail of Australian mid-century modern design. Crafted in Melbourne during the 1950s–1960s, its iconic organic, body-hugging plywood shell sits atop outward-splayed tapered hardwood legs.
Important Provenance Note: This is a guaranteed original vintage 1950s/1960s production made in Melbourne by Kennett Bros & Rayner. This is NOT a cheap synthetic replica imported from China, nor is it a contemporary licensed re-issue (such as modern Gordon Mather reproductions). As a genuine period original, these rare survival pieces demand higher investment value, superior structural integrity, and are highly sought after by serious global collectors and design archives.
Design & Features
- Organic Contour Shell: Sweeping wingback silhouette constructed from formed timber/plywood, engineered to cradle the body effortlessly.
- Tapered Solid Hardwood Legs: Outward-splayed conical timber legs that provide lightweight structural elegance.
- Deep Button Tufting: Classic button-tufted upholstery pattern across the inner backrest, seat, and footstool cushion.
- Authenticity Guaranteed: Both variations offered are 100% genuine period Featherston sets (both factory-stamped and non-stamped runs were produced in Melbourne during the original mid-century manufacturing run).
Specifications & Condition (Post-Restoration Outcome)
- Overall Condition: 9.5/10 (Fully Restored).
- Cosmetic Condition: 9.5/10. Timber legs fully stripped, hand-sanded, and refinished in a satin oil finish. Reupholstered in your chosen fabric or leather.
- Functional Condition: 9.5/10. Internal shell checked and reinforced, fresh high-density foam installed, and base joinery structurally tightened.
- Chair Dimensions: 71cm (W) x 76cm (D) x 94cm (H).
- Seat Height: ~38cm–40cm.
- Footstool/Ottoman Dimensions: 63cm (W) x 40cm (D) x 47cm (H).
- Approximate Weight: ~14 kg (Chair) + ~4 kg (Footstool) = ~18 kg total set.
- Designer: Grant Featherston (1922–1995).
- Original Manufacturer: Kennett Bros & Rayner (Melbourne, Australia).
- Vintage Era: Original 1950s–1960s.
- Product Category: Accent Armchair & Ottoman, Wingback Lounge Set, Mid-Century Icon.
Fabric Selection & Swatch Delivery
We provide complimentary physical fabric samples mailed directly to your home so you can view textures and colors in your own space light. Recommended Australian fabric houses include:
- Warwick Fabrics (Collingwood, Melbourne)
- Kvadrat Fabrics (Melbourne Showroom)
- Sustainable Living Fabrics (Melbourne)
- Zepel Fabrics (Collingwood, Melbourne)
Purchase Options & Configurations
Please select your preferred set configuration from the drop-down menu at checkout:
- Combination 1: R160 Chair Set (Stamped Chair + Unstamped Footstool)
- Includes 1 x Genuine R160 Contour Chair featuring the official original maker's stamp on the base frame + 1 x Genuine Featherston Footstool (unstamped).
- Combination 2: R160 Chair Set (Unstamped Chair + Unstamped Footstool)
- Includes 1 x Genuine R160 Contour Chair (unstamped) + 1 x Genuine Featherston Footstool (unstamped). (Guaranteed original 1950s/60s vintage pair, priced lower due to the absence of the physical stamp on the chair base).
(Note: Listed prices cover complete restoration labor, new high-density foam inserts, and full timber refinishing. The cost of raw fabric/leather material and delivery are excluded and quoted separately).
Note: This item is listed elsewhere and may be withdrawn without notice. Delivery and GST/taxes are calculated at checkout.