Knoll Topiary
1990s American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum
1990s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Aluminum
1990s American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum
1990s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
1990s American Modern Chairs
Aluminum
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Aluminum
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Settees
Velvet
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pier Mirrors and Console Mirrors
Burl, Mirror, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and...
Steel
Mid-20th Century French Provincial Sofas
Velvet, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Oak
Mid-20th Century French Chairs
Metal
20th Century French Sofas
Velvet, Wood
20th Century Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Wire
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Fiberglass
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
Recent Sales
20th Century American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum
20th Century American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum
1990s American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum
Knoll Topiary For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Knoll Topiary?
Richard Schultz for sale on 1stDibs
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.