Pair of Iconic Fred Lowen 'Fler SC55' Armchairs by Broadhead Bros
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A rare and highly collectable pair of Fred Lowen SC55 armchairs, manufactured by Broadhead Bros in New Zealand during the 1950s. One of Australia and New Zealand's most celebrated mid-century designers, Lowen's SC55 remains among his most iconic and sought-after works.
The sculptural oak frames showcase his signature rocket-style armrests and elegantly splayed legs, supported by a steel subframe that was genuinely progressive for its time. Freshly reupholstered in a warm grey weave, these chairs are as comfortable as they are beautiful. A true collector's piece.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior...
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
Our full collection is showcased at our Eden Terrace gallery. We have parking available beside the building and would love to see you.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Eden Terrace gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Fred Lowen (Fritz Karl Heinz Loewenstein) was a major influence upon Australian design. As a European Jew born in Germany, Lowen escaped to Belgium just prior to WWII and was evacuated to England in 1940. After being transported to Australia he was reclassified as a friendly enemy alien in 1942 and released to work.
Lowen's manufacturing career began at a lathe when he was asked to make a salad bowl. The bowl was a success and by 1945 he had started a small business as a wood turner selling salad bowls, platters and other items to gift shops.
In 1946, Lowen started a partnership with his close friend Ernest Rodeck, they founded a company called Fler Furniture (a combination of the two partners' initials). The company had a humble beginning, Lowen made turned woodware and Ernest made propelling pencils. Lowen was destined for greater things and by 1948 FLER had entered the furniture market.
Lowen completed a course in Furniture Design & Construction at Melbourne Technical College (RMIT) from 1949-50. He was joint managing director and chief designer of FLER and from mid 1964 took a sabbatical year to undertake Design Studies with Professor Herbert Hirche at Stuttgart Academy.
In 1966 FLER was taken over by Australian Controls. Lowen continued as Design Director of the company for two years but in 1968 he left to start up Twen with good friend Howard Lindsey (later renamed Tessa Furniture). Success came quickly and the company soon received international recognition at the Cologne Furniture Fair and built a strong reputation for well designed high end furniture.
During the 1980s, Lowen was recognised and celebrated for his contribution to Australian design. In 1981 he won the Advance Australia Award for Outstanding Contribution to Furniture Design and in 1987 he was admitted to the Order of Australia for his services to furniture design and manufacture. Today Fred Lowen continues to be remembered for his legacy of well designed, high quality furniture.
