Dining Chairs, Set of Eight by Richard Schultz for Knoll Associates
View Similar Items
Dining Chairs, Set of Eight by Richard Schultz for Knoll Associates
About the Item
- Creator:Richard Schultz (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.25 in (81.92 cm)Width: 20.25 in (51.44 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960
- Condition:Chairs show moderate loss to chrome on cast bases of all examples. Otherwise good, vintage condition.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: WR103.5211stDibs: LU84901221066
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.
- 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
- Set of Six Topiary Collection Dining Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll, 1997By Richard Schultz, KnollLocated in Hamburg, PAA wonderful Topiary Collection of Six White Powder-Coated Dining Chairs for Knoll. These chairs were designed by renowned designer Richard Schultz who creates objects to look like ar...Category
1990s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- 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
- 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
- 1985 Prototype Richard Schultz Wooden Outdoor Collection Dining ChairBy Richard SchultzLocated in Philadelphia, PAListed for sale is a Richard Schultz Wooden Outdoor Collection dining chair prototype, dating to circa 1985. This is a marvelous and rare example. The frame is in very good shape wit...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsBentwood