Prostoria Launches Richter Collection at NeoCon, Reviving Croatian Modernist Furniture

Croatian furniture brand Prostoria is introducing the Richter Collection at NeoCon in Chicago, marking the first commercial production of designs by Vjenceslav Richter (1917–2002), a key figure in Croatian modernism. The 20-piece collection includes seating, tables, and a desk, debuting in North America after its European premiere at Salone del Mobile in April. Richter, an architect, artist, and co-founder of EXAT 51, designed numerous furniture pieces that were never manufactured, with many surviving only in photographs. Prostoria worked with studios Numen/For Use, Neisako, and Grupa, alongside its R&D team, to translate Richter's archives into contemporary pieces. The collection includes revivals of seating from the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (VR58) and 1961 International Labour Exhibition in Turin (VR61), as well as new tables. Other pieces are based on designs for Umag's Hotel Adriatic (VR53) and an early EXAT 51 group show (VR52). Prostoria president Tomislav Knezović sees Richter's work as crucial for Croatia's creative identity, reflecting a time of cultural optimism. Richter's built projects include Zagreb's Presidential Palace, and his pavilion designs earned him a Gold Medal at the 1964 Triennale in Milan. His works are held in institutions like the Tate.