Details

Designed by Fred Lowen for Tessa Furniture and produced in the late 1970s to early 1980s, the T9 marks the final phase of Tessa’s mid‑century design era. The model is characterised by a flowing frame profile and a supportive, upright seating position.

Single‑owner from new and scarcely used, this suite has spent its life in a spare room. The walnut frames, each stamped Tessa, have been professionally cleaned and waxed and present in very good vintage condition. Webbing has been renewed on all chairs to ensure long‑term comfort and structural reliability. The suite retains its original Tessa‑labelled cushions, which present well with light, age‑appropriate wear.

With a comparatively short production run, the T9 is one of Tessa’s less commonly seen designs and is known for its comfort, craftsmanship and distinctive sculptural form.

Item details
- Age: Late 1970s–early 1980s
- Designer/Manufacturer: Fred Lowen for Tessa Furniture
- Frames: Walnut; stamped Tessa
- Cushions: Original Tessa‑labelled cushions retained
- Condition: Frames in very good vintage condition; recently cleaned and waxed. Webbing renewed on all chairs. Cushions present well with light, age‑appropriate wear.

Dimensions (single‑seater)
- 71 cm W x 73 cm D x 69 cm H
- Seat height: 45 cm
- Seat depth: 50 cm

Brand & Designer

Tessa

Color

Brown

Style

Mid-Century Modern

Material

Walnut

Condition

Good

Dimensions (cm)

150.0W x 73.0D x 69.0H

Design Story

Tessa is one of the most recognizable names in Australian mid century furniture, known for blending Scandinavian influences with a relaxed and distinctly Australian approach to living.

Founded in the late 1960s in Melbourne by Fred Lowen, Tessa became famous for its sculptural timber furniture and luxurious leather lounges. At a time when Australian interiors were becoming more modern and open, the company introduced designs that felt both sophisticated and comfortable, perfectly suited to the local lifestyle.

Tessa’s furniture was heavily influenced by Danish modernism, particularly through its use of rich timber frames, organic curves, and high quality leather. Yet unlike some European modernist furniture that could feel formal or restrained, Tessa pieces had a softer and more relaxed character designed for everyday living.

The brand became especially well known for its modular leather sofas and reclining lounge chairs, many of which are still highly sought after today. Their combination of solid craftsmanship, deep comfort, and timeless silhouettes helped establish Tessa as a staple of Australian design during the 1970s and 1980s.

Today, vintage Tessa furniture remains extremely collectible across Australia, particularly among enthusiasts of mid century and space age interiors. Its pieces continue to feel contemporary decades later, reflecting a period when Australian furniture design confidently developed its own identity while drawing inspiration from the best of European modernism.

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