Jindrich Hlapala (1903-1978)
Jindrich Hlapala was born in the Czech town of Koričany in 1903. He became one of the most important Czech furniture designers of the 20th century, and had a major influence on design trends in the interwar and post-war period.
education
Halbala began his education as a furniture maker in his father’s carpentry workshop. Later, he completed his practical studies at the United Woodcrafts Manufacturers (UP) in Brno. Shortly before he turned twenty, Halbala entered the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague. There, he studied under Professor Pavel Janáček, a leader of the Czech Cubist movement. After graduating in 1926, he worked briefly in the studio of architect Bohumil Hubchman. Soon after, UP hired him as its chief designer, allowing him to significantly influence furniture design trends in Czechoslovakia.
design
Halapala was a firm believer that furniture could and should be well-crafted, fully functional, mobile and widely affordable. Using his influence as UP’s chief designer, Halapala helped create a new mass-market approach to furniture design. He developed two basic series of modular furniture: the H and E lines. He also designed new and innovative tubular steel furniture that was produced at UP’s Hodonín branch. UP industrially mass-produced different simple components in its woodworking, metal and textile factories. UP made much of its furniture by combining these different simple components. This made the furniture affordable and relatively simple in its designs.
The fact that UP produced its own components allowed it to pursue high quality standards, working without using contractors. This in turn allowed UP to accept commissions not only for individual pieces of furniture, but also for the design of entire interiors, down to their architectural details. In addition to his role as developer of UP products, Halbala was also responsible for their marketing. While Halbala was working at UP, it became the largest furniture manufacturer in Czechoslovakia.
legacy
The furniture produced by UP under the management of Halabala is considered to be among the finest European furniture produced during the interwar and post-World War II period. Their simple and modern designs have allowed many pieces of furniture to remain popular and in demand to this day. Halabala furniture is displayed in permanent collections at the Moravská Gallery in Brno and the Olomouc Art Museum. It is also ideal for adding a modern touch to any home.
