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.