Bikini chair

Garth Chester's 'Bikini' chair represents one of his most commerically successful designs. By the mid-1950s Chester had come to focus his design practice on fitting out commercial spaces, in particular coffee bars and hair and beauty salons. The 'Bikini' chair, which was inspired by the new rage for beach wear, could be combined with the triangular 'Bikini' table or a more traditional rectangular table. Its wholly contemporary and joyfully whimsical nature, ensured that the Bikini range was popular on both the commercial and domestic market. Design historian Douglas lloyd Jenkins, however, does tell the story of one housewife who demanded that her husband return that 'filthy minded furniture'.