Roorkhee Campaign Chair
R4,130.00
SKU: 54764564edxxx-1-3-2-1
*Select an option In StockThe Roorkhee Campaign Chair is portable, lightweight, and extremely comfortable chair. It has a functional design that makes it stable on uneven ground. A workhorse of the British Army this chair is virtually indestructible and loved by those who own them. When sat in, the straps, arm rests, seat, and back all act in tension to keep the chair firm. Made from the finest African Mahogany. We commissioned solid brass swivel fittings to hold the backrest firmly while allowing it to take the angle of your back.
Covers offered are full veg tanned harness leather, super comfortable Auto seat canvas, original cotton canvas or ripstop (recommended for outdoor use).
Ideal for camps, lodges or private use. For more information on this inspiring chair please see the Description below
Description
Description
Origin of the Roorkhee Chair.
The Roorkhee chair (sometimes called the Roorkee chair) was originally designed as a British Army campaign chair. It was first built in the town of Roorkhee in the foothills of the Himalaya by an unknown artisan working for the Indian Army Corps of Engineers, then part of the British Army. In 1899, the British Army faced an entirely new type of enemy. The Boer War in South Africa changed warfare forever. The enemy were tough, mounted guerillas with exceptional shooting skills who outmatched the British at every turn. The over-designed campaign furniture of the Victorian Era was unpractical for the new hit-and-run tactics which demanded something lighter and more versatile. The Roorkhee Campaign Chair fitted the bill perfectly. Light, practical and easy to disassemble for travel yet still robust enough to stand rough treatment. The design also had the advantage of allowing the chair to adjust to uneven ground.
In 1933 Kaare Klint, considered by many to be the father of modern Danish design came across the Roorkhee chair while on safari in Africa. He re-invented the Roorkhee campaign chair and called it the Safari Chair. Ironically, it then became an iconic example of Danish Modern design.
Our design
We have adapted the original design of the Roorkhee Chair to beef up the timber sections and give wider, more comfortable seat and back rest. The backrest swivels flawlessly on purpose designed and commissioned solid brass bolts that add real class to the chairs. We also commissioned the solid brass buttons that hold the harness leather armrests in place. Brass name plates hold the rear of the armrest to the rear leg.
These safari chairs are hand turned in beautiful and durable African mahogany or Zambezi teak. The timber is finished with a fine furniture oil making it ideal for interior or exterior use. It is designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble, no tools required.
Covers available.
- Full thickness pure veg tanned bovine harness leather hand stitched and riveted for exceptional comfort and durability.
- Double padded 4 x 4 auto canvas in sand or grey with leather trim.
- Double padded cotton canvas – the original – with leather trim.
- Double padded ripstop canvas – ideal for leaving outdoors as it is waterproof.
Uses.
The African Touch Roorkhee Campaign Chair is ideal for the following uses:
- In a Safari Camp or Lodge outdoors on uneven ground in the boma or around the camp fire – the legs automatically adjust to the uneven ground.
- In hotels, camps or lodges as a comfortable chair to relax in your room, on the stoep, or in a living area.
- In your 4 x 4 vehicle when on expedition. Folded and packed in a canvas travel bag while on the move.
- At home anywhere!
One thing I have noticed is that the Roorkhee chair is very comfortable to read a book in – the leather armrests adjust to the perfect angle to hold your elbows as you hold the book!
The Roorkhee Safari Chair is often accompaied by the Expedition Folding Table or Campaign Folding Table.
Please contact us for a custom African Touch for your home.
Looking after your Roorkhee Chair
Looking after your Roorkhee Chair
Your oiled African Touch Roorkhee Chair receives three applications of Satinwood 28 Base oil prior to delivery. Our outlets carry stock, or you can find it in most hardware shops in South Africa. We recommend you do one application on installation of the furniture. From time to time you will need to re-apply the oil. If the furniture is used outdoors, please do the re-application every 3 months. When in doubt, re-apply when the finish looks faded or dry. The recommended application procedure is as follows:
- Wipe surface down with a clean cotton cloth lightly moistened with mineral turpentine. (Ensure that all surfaces are completely dry and clean before proceeding with the next step)
- Use a clean cotton cloth or soft bristled brush dipped in the oil and apply in light, short strokes, ensuring thorough and even distribution of the oil.
- Leave the oil on the furniture for at least 1 to 2 hours (but not more than 24 hours), to allow absorption into the wood.
- Use a clean cotton cloth and wipe off all excess liquid to leave a natural smooth finish.
- Allow to dry for approximately 24 hours.
If the surface of your furniture becomes a bit grimy over time it can be very effectively cleaned with Deckwash from Timberlife. Apply with a clean cloth. Work in well over the total surface and wipe off all excess liquid.
If a wet glass or similar is left on the surface it may leave a watermark. In this case please wipe the water off as soon as possible, and if necessary apply some more Satinwood 28 base. If the mark is still slightly visible you can rub with a little baking soda mixed with an equal part of water, wipe off with a damp cloth and re-apply the oil.
Leather covers.
To protect and nourish your leather covers, we recommend you use Hide Food from Stapol. We carry stocks of Hide Food in our outlets should you require it.
Firstly clean the leather with a damp cloth. Hide Food should always be applied using a lint free cloth, a natural or synthetic sponge using an even circular motion. Drying is temperature related but the cream generally dries in a couple of minutes after which it can be buffed with a polish brush or soft cloth. It will renovate and provide an elegant lustre. It also provides a good degree of water resistance.
Discounts offered
Discounts offered
For orders of 10 or more Roorkhee Chairs we offer a 10% discount. For large orders including multiple products please contact us for our offer.
Details
Details
The chair components are hand turned from 50mm (2”0) square select hardwood sections. The artisan’s skill is such that he turns the legs and rails to exact detail by eye. The male tenon on the rails fit exactly into the female mortice on the legs with sufficient play to allow the easy assembly of the chair and for the chair to adjust to uneven ground.
Sizes & weights:
| Seat Height | Back Height | Width | Depth | Weight. |
| 400mm (16”) | 920mm (38”) | 600mm (24”) | 600mm (24”) | 6kg (13lbs) |
Material used: African Mahogany, Zambezi Teak
Finish available: The standard finish for our Roorkhee chairs is an oil finish, ideal for an outdoor environment. The oil finish brings out the beautiful colour and grain of the African hardwood used to make the chair.
Guarantee
Guarantee
