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What is the history of Eero Saarinen's Womb chair?
1 Answer
The history of Eero Saarinen's Womb Chair dates back to the late 1940s. It was then that designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll challenged her friend, Eero Saarinen, to create the most comfortable chair ever made. To succeed at the task, Saarinen sought to evoke what he imagined was the comfortable, secure feeling of being in the womb and set out to design the now iconic chair. Production of the Womb chair began in 1948, and it didn't take long for the seat to become a cultural phenomenon. In the decade following its release, it appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial, a New Yorker magazine cartoon and a Norman Rockwell painting on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. Today, Knoll offers the seat in 15 upholstery options, and when Saarinen's famous TWA terminal reopened as a hotel in 2019, Womb chairs were featured prominently in the guest rooms. Explore a collection of Eero Saarinen Womb chairs on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
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Shop for Womb Chair on 1stDibs
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair Ottoman with black base
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair Ottoman with Black base. Chair is probably 10-15 years old. Good overall shape.
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
1960's Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely example of the Iconic Womb Chair and Ottoman designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. We have had it re-upholstered in a genuine Knoll fabric, Crossroads in a Honey Bee color. The fabric content is 43% Polyester, 37% Post Industrial Recycled Polyester, 20% Post Consumer Recycled Polyester, from the Knoll website. The Ottoman dimensions are 25x19 inches and it's 15.5 inches tall.
The ottoman bears the Knoll label from 320 park avenue which dates the set to the 1960's.
The steel legs are in generally good shape for their age, but the ottoman's have some corrosion particularly on one side, please see the detailed photos.
It is pictured in our gallery with a Verner Panton onion...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Early Womb chair by Eero Saarinen
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Brussels, BE
The Womb Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll in the 1950s, is a icon of mid-century design. Its curves and form redefine comfort, offering relaxation in any space....
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Early Eero Saarinen Knoll Womb Chair & Ottoman, Blue Upholstery, Black Frame
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Early Eero Saarinen Knoll Womb Chair, Blue Upholstery, Black Wrought Iron Frame. Being sold as is. The chair is in original condition and will need new upholstery if you're planning ...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Early Womb Chair Designed for Eero Saarinen
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
A early production womb chair designed by Eero Saarinen. Produced by Knoll starting in 1946 this model was produced in 1952. It re...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in Suede
By Eero Saarinen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
A favorite of the Forsyth design team!
“Eero Saarinen designed the groundbreaking Womb Chair at Florence Knoll's request for ‘a chair that was like a basket full of pillows - somet...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
