Richard Schultz Prototype Swell outdoor lounge chair
About the Item
- Creator:Richard Schultz (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 32 in (81.28 cm)Seat Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Style:Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2005
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition. Mesh is in tact, no rips, and aluminum frame is also in great condition.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7362235930602
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Pair of Geoffrey Harcourt Model 042 Lounge Chairs by Artifort 1965By Geoffrey D. HarcourtLocated in Chicago, ILA pair of Geoffrey Harcourt lounges chairs model 042 for Artifort. United Kingdom / The Netherlands, circa 1965 Chrome-plated steel, enameled steel, microfiber upholstery These very...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Space Age Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Knoll Barcelona Lounge Chairs by Mies van der Rohe, Ivory LeatherBy Ludwig Mies van der RoheLocated in Chicago, ILKnoll Barcelona Chairs, set of 2. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, originally in 1929. Volo "Ivory" leather This set is Knoll's latest production. Manufacturer's stamp/ signature o...Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Knoll Barcelona Lounge Chairs by Mies van der Rohe, Black LeatherBy Ludwig Mies van der RoheLocated in Chicago, ILKnoll Barcelona Chairs, set of 2. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, originally in 1929. Black leather. Knoll manufacturer tags are dated 1987 on bottom of seat cushions. One of the ...Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Set of 2 Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll International, blue upholsteryBy Warren PlatnerLocated in Chicago, ILPair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll International. Blue upholstery, nickel frame. Earlier editions. The Platner Collection (1966) reflects his belief that there’s room i...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsNickel
- Saratoga lounge chair by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova Italy 1960'sBy Massimo and Lella Vignelli, PoltronovaLocated in Chicago, ILSaratoga Chair by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova. Italy, 1960's White lacquered wood frame. Reupholstered in April 2024 in an off-white Knoll "Ferry" in Whitehall color . ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBouclé, Lacquer
- Pair of Mies Van der Rohe MR Lounge Chairs with arms for Knoll, brown suedeBy Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der RoheLocated in Chicago, ILA pair of Mr Lounge Chairs with Arms designed my Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll. Brown suede seat pad / tubular chrome steel frame Leather straps Knoll manufacturer labels dating: Nov ...Category
Vintage 1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Richard Schultz Prototype Topiary BenchLocated in Chicago, ILImportant hand-produced aluminum prototype was created to determine if the form, comfort and structure of the bench was appropriate prior to programming the computerized equipment th...Category
1990s Loveseats
MaterialsAluminum
- 1997 Richard Schultz Topiary Outdoor Bench with Custom Aluminum Finish #2By Richard SchultzLocated in Philadelphia, PAListed for sale is an exceptionally rare and unusual outdoor Richard Schultz topiary bench. What is particularly unique about this bench is that it has a...Category
1990s American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum
- Richard Schultz All Black Garden Lounge Chair from the '1966 Collection'By Richard SchultzLocated in Aramits, Nouvelle-AquitaineRichard Schultz designed all black garden lounge chair from the 'Leisure Collection', now called the '1966 Collection'. Weather-resistant polyester powder coating on an aluminum fra...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum
- Lounge Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll International, United States, 1960sBy Richard SchultzLocated in Antwerp, BEModernism; Knoll International; Minimalist Design; Florence Knoll; 1966; Richard Schultz; Florida; United States; Outdoor Furniture; Lounge chairs by Richard Schultz from his 1966 c...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsSteel
- 1997 Richard Schultz Topiary Outdoor Seating Bench / Sofa Custom Aluminum FinishBy Richard SchultzLocated in Philadelphia, PAListed for sale is an exceptionally rare and unusual outdoor Richard Schultz topiary bench. This example has been consigned by the original owners and re...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum
- 1997 Richard Schultz Topiary Outdoor Coffee Table Custom Aluminum Finish KnollBy Richard SchultzLocated in Philadelphia, PAListed for sale is an exceptionally rare and unusual outdoor Richard Schultz topiary coffee table from 1997. This piece was produced by Richard...Category
1990s American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum