Eero Saarinen Tulip Armchairs for Knoll, 1960
About the Item
- Creator:Knoll (Manufacturer),Eero Saarinen (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 27 in (68.58 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:
Eero Saarinen
Through his work as an architect and designer, Eero Saarinen was a prime mover in the introduction of modernism into the American mainstream. Particularly affecting were the organic, curvilinear forms seen in Saarinen’s furniture and his best-known structures: the gull-winged TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy airport in New York (opened 1962), Dulles International Airport in Virginia (1962) and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri (1965).
Saarinen had a peerless modernist pedigree. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was an eminent Finnish architect who in 1932 became the first head of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit. The school became synonymous with progressive design and decorative arts in the United States, and while studying there the younger Saarinen met and befriended several luminaries of mid-century modernism, among them Harry Bertoia and Charles and Ray Eames.
At Cranbrook, Saarinen also met Florence Schust Knoll, who, as director of her husband Hans Knoll's eponymous furniture company, would put Saarinen’s best designs into production. These include the Grasshopper chair, designed in 1946 and so named because its angled bentwood frame resembles the insect; the Tulip chair (1957), a flower-shaped fiberglass shell mounted on a cast-aluminum pedestal; and the lushly contoured Womb lounge chair and ottoman (1948). In his furniture as in his architecture, the keynotes of Eero Saarinen’s designs are simplicity, strength and grace.
Find vintage Eero Saarinen tables, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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: Chicago, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair, 1950By Eero Saarinen, KnollLocated in Chicago, ILEarly Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair, 1950. Upholstery is all original. We have in house upholstery if interested for an additional charge....Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsIron
- Mies van der Rohe MR20 Armchairs for KnollBy Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der RoheLocated in Chicago, ILPair of 1960s MR20 armchairs designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. Original leather and stainless steel frames are in great shape. Chairs have early K...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Mies Van Der Rohe Leather MR10 Chair for Knoll, 1970By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, KnollLocated in Chicago, ILMies van der Rohe leather MR10 chair for Knoll, 1970. Original leather.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Side/Dining Chairs, 1980By Knoll, Marcel BreuerLocated in Chicago, ILMarcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Side/Dining Chairs, 1980. Newly reupholstered green boucle. We have a large quantity of these chairs. You are welcome to send your own COM and we will r...Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsBouclé
- Warren Platner for Knoll Side/End Table, 1960By Warren Platner, KnollLocated in Chicago, ILWarren Platner for Knoll side/end table in chrome and glass 1960. Original.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables
MaterialsSteel
- Warren Platner for Knoll Steel and Carrara Marble Dining Table, 1960By Warren Platner, KnollLocated in Chicago, ILWarren Platner for Knoll Steel and Carrara Marble Dining Table, 1960. OriginalCategory
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsMarble, Steel
- Eero Saarinen for Knoll International Tulip ChairsBy Eero Saarinen, KnollLocated in Dronten, NLClassic Tulip dining chairs designed in 1956 by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International. A defining accomplishment of modern design and a timeless addition to your home—a true Classic....Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchairs in Blue Classic BoucleBy Knoll, Eero SaarinenLocated in Culver City, CAPriced Per Chair* One of Knoll's most popular designs for the past 70 years, Eero Saarinen's executive armchair is about as timeless and chic as it gets. This current set of 4 we ha...Category
Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchairs in Custom Tan TweedBy Eero Saarinen, KnollLocated in Culver City, CAOne of Knoll's most popular designs for the past 70 years, Eero Saarinen's executive armchair is about as timeless and chic as it gets. This current set of 10 we have available are u...Category
Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Eero Saarinen for Knoll Pair of 'Tulip' Dining Chairs in Black FiberglassBy Eero Saarinen, KnollLocated in Waalwijk, NLEero Saarinen for Knoll, 'Tulip' pair of fixed dining chairs, model 151C, fiberglass, aluminum, fabric, United States, design 1955-57, production 1950s/1960s This pair of dining cha...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Eero Saarinen Tulip Armchair Knoll Studio 1970sBy Eero Saarinen, KnollLocated in Stockholm, SETulip armchair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International. Moulded fibreglass shell and cast aluminium base. Its organic shape remains timeless and elegant. Set of 4 armchairs. ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Fiberglass
- Eero Saarinen Executive ArmchairBy Eero Saarinen, KnollLocated in Dallas, TXWe have up to ten available in this upholstery which is a Knoll textile with Bergamo piping. Or you can do in a fabric of your choice.Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal