Karl Springer Polished Steel and Brass Bench
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)Width: 33 in (83.82 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Seat Height: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U111205911981
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to 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, he had established his own Manhattan atelier, and at his death he 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. He 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Chrome and Lucite Urn Lamps after Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYChrome and Lucite urn lamps with Lucite feet. Height to socket, 15". Overall height, 22.5", can be adjusted with larger harp. Original faux lizard paper l...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Roberto Estevez Tall Polished Solid Brass Kudu SculptureLocated in New York, NYRoberto Estevez 1980's tall polished solid brass kudu sculpture with circular pedestal base.Category
Late 20th Century Modern Animal Sculptures
MaterialsBrass
- Neoclassic Modern Lucite and Brass EtagereLocated in New York, NYLucite and brass column étagère with three glass shelves, lucite base and feet. From a Palm Beach, Florida estate.Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
MaterialsBrass
- Waterfall Beveled Glass and Brass ChandelierBy Gaetano SciolariLocated in New York, NYWaterfall form brass chandelier with hanging rectangular beveled glass prisms, circa 1980.Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Steel and Glass Dome ChandelierBy Gerald ThurstonLocated in New York, NYOriginal 1950s Gerald Thurston for Lightolier steel and glass chandelier chandelier. Milk glass dome shade suspends from circular steel central f...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsAluminum
- Monumental 1970s Teak and Brass Sculptural Modeline LampBy Modeline Lamp Co.Located in New York, NYLarge-scale handcrafted, 1970s teakwood lamp with brass detail by Modeline, USA. Double socketed solid brass hardware with pull chains, 100 watts max wa...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Brass BenchBy Karl SpringerLocated in West Palm Beach, FLKarl Springer Brass Bench Original upholstery A large example of this formCategory
Vintage 1970s North American Benches
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Stainless Steel & Leather Bench, 1980’sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Chicago, ILKarl Springer stainless steel and leather bench, circa 1980’s. All original.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Benches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Karl Springer, JMF “C” BenchesBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYThis exquisite pair of Jean-Michel Frank inspired “C” benches designed and made by Karl Springer feature elegant curved polished stainless steel legs and newly...Category
Late 20th Century American Benches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Karl Springer Brass and Upholstered BenchLocated in New York, NYKarl Springer brass and upholstered bench. The bench has brass cylindrical legs with the original floral fabric.Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsBrass
- Stunning Brass and Tufted Top Bench, Manner of Karl SpringerBy Karl Springer, Pierre CardinLocated in Buffalo, NYStunning brass and tufted top bench, manner of Karl Springer, Pierre Cardin. Simple, elegant design. Fit seamlessly into any Modernist, Contemporary, Antique environment. superior qu...Category
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Benches
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Tufted Bench in Lucite & Brass, 1970'sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Bainbridge, NYKarl Springer lucite and brass upholstered bench, stool, circa 1980. Featuring a braced rectangular polished brass cross bar frame, four solid cylindrical lucite legs with tufted, luxe woven upholstery...Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Benches
MaterialsBrass