Who doesn’t know it – the beach chair. Hardly any vacationer on the Baltic or North Sea has not sat in a beach chair and it is simply part of the German coastal landscape.
But how was this unique piece of furniture invented? We investigated this question during a visit to the beach chair factory in Heringsdorf. And, of course, we also took a look at the production process.
The origins of the beach chair – a success story from Germany
The history of the beach chair begins in the 19th century and is closely linked to the development of coastal tourism in Germany.
The first beach chair was born in a very practical way: an elderly lady named Elisabeth von Maltzahn, who suffered from rheumatism, wanted to enjoy the fresh sea air on the beach and was looking for protection from the wind and sun. In 1882, she approached Wilhelm Bartelmann, a basket maker from Rostock, and asked him to develop a piece of furniture that would meet her needs. Bartelmann then designed a single wicker seat basket to protect her. This first model was functional and simple, but laid the foundation for the beach chair as we know it today.
At this time, tourism on the Baltic Sea was booming and the first beach chair quickly attracted the attention of other vacationers. Bartelmann recognized the potential of his invention. He soon developed the original single basket further. He adapted it to the needs of the wider public. Larger models for two people were created, which offered additional comfort. Functional additions such as fold-out footrests, an adjustable backrest and awnings to protect against the sun were also added. Bartelmann’s beach chairs were initially woven from willow, but later more robust materials such as wood and canvas were added to make the construction more resistant to the harsh coastal conditions.
Bartelmann’s invention first spread to the beaches of the Baltic Sea. It was only later that the beach chair found its way to holidaymakers on the North Sea.
Marketing
Elise Bartelmann, the wife of the basket maker, played a decisive role in the marketing and commercialization of beach chairs. She opened a beach chair rental business in Rostock so that holidaymakers could rent the chairs on site instead of buying them. This idea was a complete success and helped to make the beach chair an integral part of coastal vacations.
Over the years, the beach chair became a symbol of German coastal tourism. Especially in the post-war period, when tourism in Germany was booming, the beach chair became an indispensable accessory for vacations on the North and Baltic Seas.
Visit to the Heringsdorf beach chair factory
A huge beach chair shows us that we have arrived at the right place. The Heringsdorf beach chair factory is located in a small industrial estate near the main street.
The Heringsdorf beach chair factory on the Baltic Sea island of Usedom is one of the most traditional and well-known beach chair manufacturers in Germany. It is one of the oldest manufacturers of its kind and enjoys an excellent reputation for its craftsmanship and individual beach chairs.
The showroom is filled with a wide variety of beach chairs. Some are exhibition models that can be viewed and purchased. Others are somewhat older and show the development of the beach chair. There is even a typical GDR beach chair on display. This was not made of woven individual parts, but was covered with wooden panels. Even if this makes it look very boxy and uncomfortable due to the low padding, I like it!
The Heringsdorf beach chair factory offers guided tours of the factory on Thursdays on request. This begins in the showroom with a bit of history and then moves on to the adjacent production halls.
How is the beach chair made today?
The basic structure of the beach chair has remained largely unchanged since its invention in 1882. What has changed, however, are the manufacturing methods and the materials used.
What materials are used?
Various materials are used to make a beach chair, which are designed to be robust and weather-resistant:
- Wood: The frame of the beach chair is usually made of impregnated wood that is protected against moisture and the effects of the weather. Pine wood, for example, is dip-lacquered with open-pored walnut, pine or teak varnish and teak wood is used.
- Wickerwork: The characteristic wickerwork is now often made of plastic, as it is more resistant to UV radiation, rain and salt water than the natural material originally used, wicker. There is PVC and PE wickerwork.
- Fabrics: High-quality, weatherproof fabrics are used for the upholstery and awnings. These are water-repellent, UV-resistant and easy to clean.
- Metal parts: Screws, fittings and other metal components are galvanized or made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion from salty air.
- Additional elements: patio castors, reclining position, swivel base, adjustable footrests, tables, various cushions, side pockets in the beach chair hood, champagne cooler, drinks holder, protective grille, cover tarpaulin
Production of a beach chair
The production of a beach chair is done by hand. Specialists from various trades work hand in hand.
Woodworking
The process begins in the wood workshop with the frame construction. The individual parts for the wooden frame are cut to size, sanded and impregnated. The aim is to make the wood weatherproof. The individual wooden parts are then screwed together to form individual parts. These parts are later assembled to form the finished beach chair. The first step usually takes about two days.
Weaving
In the next stage of production, the basket weavers (today the profession is called wickerwork designer) work on the wickerwork of the beach basket. What I didn’t know: basket weaving has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an intangible cultural heritage since 2016.
The wickerwork is applied to the frame by hand in the Heringsdorf beach chair factory. The plastic mesh is precisely woven by hand to create the typical look of the beach chair. This is a time-consuming process that can take two to three days or longer, depending on the craftsman’s experience.
I was also allowed to try out braiding. Fortunately not on such a complicated part, but only on a straight side part. The plastic material is surprisingly hard and I don’t find it very flexible. The basket maker had cut off a fairly long piece of wicker and had already worked a few rows on the side section. After she had finished one row and laid the somewhat complicated twist of material around the frame piece for the return round, I was allowed to start. I felt a bit like I did in school when I wove a basket lamp. Up – down – up – down … if you weren’t working here, but weaving on your own, it’s wonderfully meditative. In the past, basket weavers had to work on a piecework basis, which certainly didn’t create a meditative atmosphere. Fortunately, this is no longer the case today, although I found the pace very impressive.
Tailoring
Before the individual parts are put together, the tailors and upholsterers begin their work. The seat and back cushions as well as the awnings are made from weatherproof fabrics. These are cut to size and fitted to the beach chair. The customer often chooses the color beforehand. Companies often personalize their beach chairs with special advertising prints. Private buyers tend to choose the colors according to location and taste. This production step takes about one day.
Finishing
The individual parts can now be put together to form a beach chair. Modern beach chairs have numerous comfort features such as extendable footrests, adjustable backrests and small folding tables. These are fitted in the final stages of production. This step can take from half a day to a whole day.
Of course, every beach chair is carefully checked before delivery to ensure that it meets the high quality standards. It is then stored in the warehouse and awaits delivery.
Additional service
Over the years of use, a beach chair can naturally show signs of wear and tear. The Heringsdorf beach chair factory therefore offers the option of refurbishment and repair.
There are also beach chair owners who store their beach chairs in the storage rooms during the winter. They can then, for example, commission the cleaning of the wickerwork and minor repairs.
What types of beach chairs are there?
Standard beach chairs include single and two-seater, two-seater Xl, two-seater XXL and three-seater beach chairs. A highlight of Strandkorbfabrik Heringsdorf is the possibility to have customized beach chairs made according to the individual wishes of the customer. Customers can choose from a variety of designs, materials and colors to create their own personal dream beach chair. From exclusive fabric patterns to special types of wood – every wish is catered for here.
Baltic Sea and North Sea beach chairs are also manufactured. Which raised the question for me – there are differences???? Fortunately, the difference was well explained to me.
Differences between the Baltic Sea beach chair and the North Sea beach chair
There are differences in the design and functionality of beach chairs on the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. These are due to the respective geographical and climatic characteristics of the regions.
Baltic Sea beach chair:
- The Baltic Sea beach chair has a more rounded and curved shape, which is perceived as more elegant and softer.
- The curved lines give it a harmonious appearance that goes well with the often quieter landscape of the Baltic Sea.
- Height approx. 160 cm
- Only available as a semi-recliner.
- Many models have additional features such as fold-down sun awnings, which increase comfort for sun worshippers.
- Baltic Sea beach chairs are mainly used on quiet and family-friendly beaches.
- They are often designed in bright colors that contribute to the cheerful, relaxed atmosphere of the Baltic Sea.
North Sea beach chair:
- The North Sea beach chair has a more angular and linear shape.
- Height approx. 155 cm, available as semi-reclining (Wangerooge) or fully reclining (Juist or Sylt XL)
- This design is more robust and less playful. The shape is designed to withstand even stormy gusts.
- The North Sea beach chair is optimized for wind and weather protection. Due to the harsh climate of the North Sea, it often offers more stable materials and a more robust construction.
- They are often designed in more natural colors that harmonize with the rugged landscape.
Address:
Production and small showroom
Waldbühnenweg 3,
17424 Seebad Heringsdorf
Tel: +49 38378-805535 for registration for the guided tour
Sale and exhibition
Brunnenstraße 10
17424 Seebad Heringsdorf
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 10 am – 3 pm
The visit took place as part of a press trip with Usedom Tourism.
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