Set of 4 Karl Springer "Onassis" Arm Chairs, Circa 1980, *Free Shipping
View Similar Items
Set of 4 Karl Springer "Onassis" Arm Chairs, Circa 1980, *Free Shipping
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.25 in (76.84 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c. 1980
- Condition:Very good, minor nicks to wood. Minor flaws and light surface imperfections exist even in 'very good' or 'restored' items due to age and patina. Please do not expect 'like new' condition.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9025984548
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to his coffee tables, mirrors, Lucite lamps and other furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal.
In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.
Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor.
By 1965, Springer had established his own Manhattan atelier. It was Pierre Scapula, decorator to Jackie and Aristotle Onassis, who spotted Springer's disco-era Onassis chairs — which didn't yet have a name — first commissioned for a private residence in Acapulco, on the floor of the designer’s East 61st Street showroom. Jackie ordered barstools for the couple’s yacht, the Christina O, and dining chairs for their house on the Greek mainland.
At the time of his death, Springer had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.
The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes.
Springer employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.
Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.
- Set of Four Onassis White Lacquer Chairs by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Atlanta, GAA set of four "Jackie Onassis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Finished in glossy white lacquer and upholstered in a black leather with a slight s...Category
Vintage 1980s American American Craftsman Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood, Leather
- Pair of Oak Onassis Chairs by Karl Springer Mid-Century ModernBy Karl SpringerLocated in West Palm Beach, FLPair of oak Onassis chairs by Karl Springer, Mid-Century Modern, new upholstery in faux sheepskin.Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsOak
- Custom Olive Goatskin Onassis Chairs in the Manner of Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in North Miami, FLA total of six custom "Onassis" -style chairs in olive goatskin with a light dusting of shimmery gold in the lacquer. Priced at $3600 per pair.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGoatskin, Wood
- Set of 4 Karl Springer Onassis Bar StoolsBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYSet of 4 Karl Springer Onassis bar stools. The stools' frame is lacquered wood with fabric covered cushioned seats. The stools have a nice, lacquered...Category
Vintage 1980s Modern Stools
MaterialsFabric, Wood
$21,000 / set - Karl Springer, Chinese Curved Back Chair, USA, c. 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in East Hampton, NYThis documented rare chair by Karl Springer, found in his catalogue of original creations, is made of chrome-plated steel, brass and lucite. The seat cushion is upholstered in a fine...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsBrass, Stainless Steel
- Set of 6 Karl Springer Gold Onassis Chairs with Leather UpholsteryBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYSet of 6 Karl Springer Onassis chairs with leather upholstery. The Iconic Onassis chair is one of Karl Springers most famous designs and the beautiful lines contour to the body perfectly. The 6 vintage gold finished chairs have age appropriate wear but have been Newly reupholstered in a luxurious Ivory Holy Hunt...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood