By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible 1st-generation collectors examples (original production of this design) of the classic Charles Pollock 'Model 657' Armchairs for Knoll Associates, signed with Knoll Associates paper labels (see photos).
This pair has beautiful cognac brown color with light attractive age. Secondly, and most importantly, these are labeled with its original Knoll Associates tags which date these towards the early few years of production before Knoll Associates changed hands to Knoll International. The labels are date stamped with Feb 16, 1971 however Knoll Associates became Knoll International in 1968 and at that time they changed the labels used in production. In addition, the address on the labels are the older 320 Park Ave which they moved from in 1970. Most likely these chairs were produced around 1968 but then later sold and shipped out in 1971. This pair of 657-armchairs are ideal for a collector who wants the 'original' production examples with all-original leather. And considering the condition of these - this pair won't last long so be sure to buy them while they are still available!
These 657 leather sling armchairs perfectly blend comfort, functionality, and style. The frame is made from polished chrome steel tubing with cast aluminum, creating a sleek and subtly contrasting profile. The seat is a cognac brown cowhide suspended on the frame which has been carefully shaped to form the back and seat sling. The thick sling leather contrasts beautifully with the black arms, black leather seat pads and black seat supports attached to the chrome frames. Under the sling-seats are the original Knoll Associates manufacturing stickers which identify these from being in their earlier (original) production runs of this design. The leather has an attractive light patina in excellent vintage conditions. Both chairs present very well, are ideal collectors examples and are ready for immediate use.
Here is a quote from Charles Pollock speaking to the design of this chair taken from Knoll's website:
“I was penniless, didn’t have a car and I was making my prototypes out of plumbing that I pulled out of an old, abandoned basement. I brought all these prototypes in [to Knoll] without an appointment and pushed them off the elevator and said, ‘I want to see Florence Knoll.’ Fortunately for me, [Senior Designer] Vincent Cafiero came out just by accident, and he said, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I’m Charles Pollock.’ I had had a major article in Interiors, in a series of articles about Saarinen, Eames, and myself about three or four months before, and he had read that…. So Cafiero said, “Look, this stuff is interesting. Why don’t you take this idea and throw this other idea into it?” Eventually, between Vincent Cafiero and myself, I developed a quarter-inch scale model of a chair that was very, very similar to…the 657 chair...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs
MaterialsAluminum, Steel, Chrome