History of Fler Furniture
Fred Lowen and Ernest Rodeck: Founders of Fler Furniture
Fred Lowen, originally Fritz Karl Heinz Loewenstein, and Ernest Rodeck's paths converged in 1941 at the Tatura Internment Camp in Australia. Both men, Jewish immigrants fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe, formed a bond that would lead to the creation of one of Australia’s most influential modern furniture companies.
The Humble Beginnings of Fler
In 1946, Fred and Ernest decided to venture into business together, founding what would become Fler, a name derived from the initials of its founders. They started small, operating out of a two-horse stable, with neither having prior experience in furniture-making. Fred initially focused on crafting small wooden bowls and tableware, while Ernest, who had a knack for engineering, produced propelling pencils.
The Turning Point: Collaboration with Frederick Ward
Fler's trajectory changed dramatically in 1948 when Fred Lowen collaborated with Frederick Ward, a designer associated with the Myer Emporium, a major Australian department store chain. Ward, impressed by Lowen's tableware, encouraged him to develop a line of simple, modern, and affordable chairs for Myer. This partnership marked a pivotal moment for Fler, which was still operating out of its humble stable at the time.
The Swedish Modern Dining Chair and Fler's Rise to Success
The first major success for Fler came with the creation of the Swedish Modern Dining Chair, also known as the "DC1." Designed by Ward and Lowen, the chair's sleek and contemporary design captured the modern aesthetic of the time. Ernest Rodeck's engineering expertise played a crucial role in the chair's success. He introduced mechanization to the production process, allowing Fler to achieve high sales volumes and offer quality furniture at competitive prices.
Education and Expansion
Encouraged by the success of the DC1, Fred Lowen pursued further education in Furniture Design & Construction at Melbourne Technical College (now RMIT) between 1949 and 1950. This education led to the creation of several popular and innovative designs, including the SC55 and SC58 armchairs and the iconic Narvik range from 1961, which embodied the mid-century Scandi-Pacific aesthetic.
By the 1960s, Fler had become a significant player in the Australian furniture market. The company expanded its operations nationwide and even licensed production in New Zealand. Fler's designs gained international recognition, with their furniture featured in the Australian Pavilion at the 1967 Montreal Expo, alongside works by renowned Australian designers like Grant and Mary Featherston.
Transition and Legacy
In 1960, Fler became the first national furniture company to be publicly traded on the Australian Stock Exchange. However, the company's trajectory shifted in 1966 when it was acquired by Australian Controls. Fred Lowen remained as Design Director until 1968 when Australian Controls also acquired Aristoc Industries. Lowen then left Fler to establish a new furniture company, Twen, later rebranded as Tessa Furniture, in collaboration with his brother-in-law, Howard Lindsey.
Despite facing challenges from cheaper imported products in the 1980s and 1990s, Fler's furniture left an indelible mark on Australasia. The company's beautifully designed and crafted pieces helped popularize the modern aesthetic across the region and remain cherished by collectors and design enthusiasts to this day.
Celebrating Fler at Vintage Upcycle
At Vintage Upcycle, we honor the legacy of Fler Furniture by offering a curated selection of their timeless pieces. Each item in our collection reflects Fler's dedication to quality craftsmanship and modern design, ensuring that the legacy of Fred Lowen and Ernest Rodeck continues to inspire and captivate. Explore our collection and bring a piece of Australian design history into your home.