Set of Six Topiary Collection Dining Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll, 1997
About the Item
- Creator:Knoll (Manufacturer),Richard Schultz (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)Width: 26.75 in (67.95 cm)Depth: 24.38 in (61.93 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 6
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Aluminum,Powder-Coated
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1990-1999
- Date of Manufacture:1997
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Hamburg, PA
- Reference Number:
Richard Schultz
Many of today’s most popular outdoor furniture designs exist thanks to the talents of designer Richard Schultz. His mid-century modern style introduced unimposing pieces to gardens and outdoor spaces. The airy shapes and timeless appeal of his furniture reflect his motto: “Form follows technique.”
Born Moses Richard Schultz in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1926, he displayed an early talent as an engineer, building steam engines in his family’s basement. Although he possessed an engineer’s mind, Schultz struggled with mathematics, and he dropped out of the Iowa State University mechanical engineering program. He joined the U.S. Navy, working as a radio operator. Following his military service, he enrolled at the Institute of Design in Chicago.
After he graduated in 1950, Schultz traveled to Europe, where he spent the summer sketching. When he returned to the United States in 1951, he applied for a position as a designer at the furniture company Knoll Inc. in New York City. It is said that Florence Knoll, wife of the company’s founder Hans Knoll, hired him on the spot based solely on his sketches.
Schultz’s first assignment was to assist designer Harry Bertoia with the Bertoia Wire Collection at Knoll’s factory in Pennsylvania. Schultz’s 715 Chaise Longue, with its adjustable frame and signature solid wheel, complemented Bertoia’s collection. It was acquired in 1963 by the Museum of Modern Art for its collection of contemporary furniture. Another iconic piece Schultz produced around this time was the Petal Table. Its wooden “petal” tabletop and enameled metal base were inspired by the plant Queen Anne’s lace.
In 1966, one of Schultz’s most esteemed collections, the Leisure Collection (reissued in 1992 as the 1966 Collection), was created when Florence Knoll requested some outdoor furniture for her Florida home that could withstand the salty ocean air. Schultz designed a line of aluminum patio coffee tables and lounge chairs that were not only fashionable and comfortable but would not rust.
In 1972, Knoll laid off its designers, including Schultz, and he started his design studio — Richard Schultz Design — out of a Pennsylvania farmhouse. He enjoyed success with another of his influential pieces, the Paradigm office chair, which he sold to furniture manufacturer Stow & Davis in 1978. In 2012, Knoll acquired Richard Schultz Design and re-released many of his classic works.
Schultz died in 2021. He left a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated outdoor furniture creators.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Richard Schultz tables, building and garden elements, seating and more.
Knoll
As a company that produced many of the most famous and iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, Knoll was a chief influence in the rise of modern design in the United States. Led by Florence Knoll, the firm would draw stellar talents such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen into its compass. Their work would help change the face of the American home and office.
The company was formed in 1938 by the German immigrant Hans Knoll. He first worked with his fellow ex-pat, the Danish designer Jens Risom, who created furniture with flowing lines made of wood. While Risom served in World War II, in 1943 Knoll met his future wife, Florence Schust. She had studied and worked with eminent emigré leaders of the Bauhaus, including Mies, Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. She won Knoll over with Bauhaus notions of industrial arts, and an aesthetic that featured flat and tubular metal frames and angular forms. When Hans died in a car crash in 1955, Florence Knoll was appointed head of the company. It was as much through her holistic approach to design — a core division of the firm was dedicated to planning office systems — as Knoll's mid-century modern furnishings themselves that she brought about the sleek and efficient transformation of the American workplace.
Today, classic Knoll furnishings remain staples of modern design collections and decor. A history of modern design is written in pieces such as the elegant Barcelona chair — created by Mies and Lilly Reich — Saarinen’s pedestal Tulip chair, Breuer’s tubular steel Wassily lounge chair and the grid-patterned Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia.
As you can see from the collection of these designs and other vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and tables on 1stDibs, this manufacturer's offerings have become timeless emblems of the progressive spirit and sleek sophistication of the best of modernism.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Hamburg, PA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Designer "Topiary" Table Base by Richard Schultz for Knoll, 1996By Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in Hamburg, PAA whimsical "Topiary" collection dining table designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll. This collection was produced in 1996 and is a fun design for any garden or patio. This dining table is made by a technique that involves bending, stamping, and folding sheets of aluminum. The "Topiary" table base is fitted with wheels for easy transportation. The dining table is powder-coated in a lovely mint green color. The table is structurally sound and in very good condition. Glass is not included. Two tables are available. "Topiary" collection dining chairs are available in another listing. Special note: The pair of topiary...Category
1990s American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum
- Set of Six Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Outdoor Dining Chairs in ChestnutBy Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in Hamburg, PAA functional and stylish set of six modern outdoor dining chairs designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll. These vintage dining chairs have a chestnut aluminum frame with mesh and leath...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum
- Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Dining Table in ChestnutBy Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in Hamburg, PAA functional and modern outdoor dining table designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll. This vintage dining table has a white aluminum base wit...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum
- Set of Six Dining Chairs Designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, 20th CenturyBy Warren Platner, KnollLocated in Hamburg, PAAn exquisite set of six dining chairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. These iconic dining room chairs would look great in any Contemporary, Transitional, or Traditional interio...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Knoll Limited Edition 'Topiary Cushion Lounge Chairs' and Side Table, 1997By Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in Hamburg, PAA fabulous set of Knoll "Topiary" garden chairs and side table. Designed by Richard Schultz. This set is no longer in production but is still in the personal collection of Richard Sc...Category
1990s American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum
- Set of Six Paul Evans Cantilevered Dining Chairs for Directional, 1970sBy Paul Evans, DirectionalLocated in Hamburg, PAA Mid-Century Modern set of 6 Paul Evans cantilevered dining chairs for Directional. This set includes two armchairs and four side chairs. These ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- 1993 Prototype Richard Schultz Topiary Collection Cafe Dining ChairBy Richard SchultzLocated in Philadelphia, PAListed for sale is a Richard Schultz Topiary Collection stacking cafe chair prototype with a black powder-coated finish. This is a marvelous an...Category
1990s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Set of Four Richard Schultz 1966 Series Dining ChairsBy Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in Chicago, ILRichard Schultz 1966 series Knoll. Set of four outdoor dining chairs Model No. 1966-46-H. Seat and back are woven vinyl coated polyester mesh with vinyl s...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel, Steel
- Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Stainless & Leather Dining ChairBy Richard SchultzLocated in Philadelphia, PAListed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel dining chair prototype with custom leather sling. The arm height is 26" from the ground. Total height is approxim...Category
Early 2000s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Eight Dining Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll, White Frames, Red Orange SeatsBy Richard SchultzLocated in Kansas City, MOSet of 8 Richard Schultz dining chairs, made by Knoll, 1960s. The frames and seat backs have been expertly refinished in a soft white / ivory color and the original red orange seats...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- 2001 Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Mesh Cantilever Dining ChairBy Richard SchultzLocated in Philadelphia, PAListed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel cantilever dining chair prototype with mesh upholstery. This is a marvelous and rare example of a 2002 collection...Category
Early 2000s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- 2001 Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Stainless Steel Mesh Dining ChairBy Richard SchultzLocated in Philadelphia, PAListed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel dining chair prototype with custom polished perforated steel seat. The chair measures 31 inches tall by 23 inches...Category
Early 2000s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel