Roorkhee Safari Chair

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 Himalayas 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 was 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 a wider, more comfortable seat and backrest. 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 nameplates hold the rear of the armrest to the rear leg.

These Roorkhee chairs are hand-turned in beautiful and durable African mahogany. 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, with no tools required.

Looking for a comfortable and stylish chair that can be used both indoors and outdoors? Look no further than the Roorkhee Chair! With its unique design and sturdy construction, this chair is sure to become your go-to seating option for all your needs.

Crafted from durable materials like wood and leather, the Roorkhee Chair is designed to last for years to come. Its simple yet elegant design is perfect for any setting, from your living room to your patio. And with its compact size and lightweight construction, it’s easy to move and store when not in use.

But what really sets the Roorkhee Chair apart is its versatility. Use it as a dining chair, a desk chair, or even as a comfortable spot to read or relax. And with its adjustable seat height and backrest angle, you can customize your seating experience to your exact preferences. So why wait? Order your Roorkhee Chair today and start enjoying its comfort and style!

Covers available.

• Full-thickness pure veg-tanned bovine harness leather hand-stitched and riveted for exceptional comfort and durability.
• Double padded Canvas in Karoo khaki, sand or grey.
• Karoo Khaki canvas with built in cushion

Uses.

The African Touch Roorkhee Chair is ideal for the following uses:

• In a Safari Camp or Lodge outdoors on uneven ground in the boma or around the campfire – 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 we 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 Chair is often accompanied by the Expedition Folding Table or Campaign Folding Table.

Please contact us for a custom African Touch for your home.