With magnificent buildings such as the Guggenheim Bilbao, Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the new Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris, Frank Gehry changed the nature and spirit of contemporary architecture. The architect has also enjoyed a prolific career as a designer of artful and functional objects, ranging from furniture to jewelry, that even at smaller scale are as lively and captivating as his architectural designs.
Gehry was born in Toronto and moved with his family to Los Angeles in 1947. He received a degree in architecture from the University of Southern California in 1954 and — after several years of casting about that included a stint in the U.S. Army and studies at Harvard — Gehry opened his architectural practice in L.A. in 1962.
Idiosyncratic renovations to his small, traditional house in Santa Monica — such as cladding portions of the exterior in chain-link fencing and corrugated metal — drew attention to Gehry in architectural circles. Corporate and institutional commissions added to his reputation, culminating in the global acclaim that greeted the opening of the Guggenheim Bilbao in 1997. But the combination of visual dynamism and structural integrity expressed by that building had been evident for decades in Gehry’s designs. In 1972 he introduced a much-admired line of furniture he called Easy Edges. The curves and flowing lines of the pieces, which include the Wiggle chair, seem antithetical to the material are made from: cardboard — a presumably flimsy material that, when stacked, laminated and folded, is actually extraordinarily sturdy.
Many of Gehry’s designs feature an abstracted fish motif. For the architect, it was a symbol of vitality, strength and flexibility. The fish appears in a group of 1982 plastic lamps created for Formica (and exhibited by the Jewish Museum in New York in 2010). Gehry used the motif in crystal goblets for Swid Powell (1990), his Pito kettle for Alessi (1992) and as earrings for a 2006 jewelry collection for Tiffany that also includes torqued rings, necklaces and bangles.
Gehry returned to furniture design in 1992 with a remarkably energetic line of furniture for Knoll with frames and seating made of bent, lightweight wooden strops. (The pieces' names, such as Power Play and Cross Check, derive from ice hockey.) In 2004, Heller released a group of twisted, faceted furnishings in molded polyethylene meant to evoke Gehry’s architecture. But — whether its tableware, jewelry or furniture — all Gehry’s designs do that--sharing an animated aesthetic built on a solid foundational core. To possess a piece of Gehry design is to own one of his buildings, in miniature.
Find vintage Frank Gehry chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Frank Gehry Wiggle Chair forVitra. Switzerland, late 20th C.
By Vitra, Frank Gehry
Located in London, GB
Simple yet subtly futuristic, the design of this famous chair was Frank Gehry’s answer to a unique challenge: quickly creating furniture for a meeting of artists and NASA scientists ...
Paper
Jay Chiat's 'Grandpa Beaver' Chair by Frank Gehry
By Frank Gehry
Located in Long Island City, NY
Perhaps the most voluptuous of Frank Gehry’s corrugated cardboard furniture designs, this Grandpa Beaver chair was in the personal collection of...
Paper
Vitra Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" Side Chair, 1970s
By Vitra, Frank Gehry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare experimental corrugated cardboard side chair from the "Easy Edges" series, designed by Frank Gehry for Vitra, c. 1970s. This version is no longer in production. Gehry's experi...
Masonite, Paper
Frank Gehry Power Play Chair and Ottoman for Knoll, Signed, Great Condition
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Kansas City, MO
Power play chair and ottoman designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll in very close to new condition. There are no chips, cracks or repairs to the wood slats...
Maple
Frank Gehry 'Little Beaver' Cardboard Chair and Ottoman for Vitra, 1987 USA
By Frank Gehry, Vitra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extremely rare 'Little Beaver' chair designed by Frank Gehry, produced by Vitra in 1987. Comes with matching ottoman. Vitra plaques on underside of both ...
Masonite, Paper
$14,000 / set
Frank Gehry Easy Edges Chairs and Ottoman
By Frank Gehry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frank Gehry pair of easy Edges chair and ottoman. Easy Edges, Inc. Canada/USA, 1972. Laminated cardboard, masonite. Chair: 29¼ H × 23¼ W × 39 D in, ottoman: 14¾ H × 17¾ W × 30 D in (...
Masonite, Paper
Mid Century Modern Vintage Cardboard Wiggle Side Chair by Frank O. Gehry, 1972
By Frank Gehry
Located in Vienna, AT
A mid century modern vintage cardboard wiggle chair, which is a great design side chair by Frank O. Gehry, 1972 for Jack Brogan, USA 1972-1973. Reissued by Vitra from 1992 as Wiggle side chair...
Paper
Easy Edges chair by Franck Gehry, Vitra, 1972
By Frank Gehry
Located in PARIS, FR
“Easy Edges” chair by Franck Gehry for Vitra, 1972 This very rare model from the "Easy edges" collection created by Franck Gehry in 1972 is no longer produced by Vitra. Through t...
Paper
Frank Gehry Prototype Accent Chair, 1970s Los Angeles
By Frank Gehry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extremely rare cardboard prototype chair for Frank Gehry from the estate of Margot Alofsin, an architect of Gehry Partners. Corrugated cardboard chair with two slender front legs and...
Masonite, Paper
Sitting Beaver Chair by Frank Gehry for New City Editions, 1979 / 1986
By Frank Gehry
Located in Kansas City, MO
"Sitting Beaver" / "Skinny Beaver" chair designed by Frank Gehry for the Experimental Edges series in 1979. Although designed in 1979, the furniture from this series was not produced...
Plywood, Paper
Hat Trick Chair by Frank Gehry for Knoll
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Ravenna, IT
The Hat Trick chair, designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll, features a distinctive striped frame of natural maple. The soft shape of the frame is complemented by a padded cushion in the...
Leather, Maple
Pair of knoll Barcelona Chairs Stainless Steel with ottoman
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Authentic Midcentury Modern Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll – Premium Stainless Steel Version Offered for sale is an iconic Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies ...
Stainless Steel
Harry Bertoia Bird Chair w/ Ottoman for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A unique Mid Century Bird lounge chair with matching ottoman called that because of it's nest like seat design by Harry Bertoia , sculptor , artist and furniture craftsman . Bertoia ...
Wire
$5,047
H 33.08 in W 14.18 in D 23.63 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Cardboard Wiggle Side Chair by Frank O. Gehry, 1972
By Frank Gehry
Located in Vienna, AT
A mid century modern vintage cardboard wiggle chair, which is a great design side chair by Frank O. Gehry, 1972 for Jack Brogan, USA 1972-1973. Reissued by Vitra from 1992 as Wiggle side chair...
Paper
Frank Gehry Prototype Accent Chair, 1970s Los Angeles
By Frank Gehry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extremely rare cardboard prototype chair for Frank Gehry from the estate of Margot Alofsin, an architect of Gehry Partners. Corrugated cardboard chair with two slender front legs and...
Masonite, Paper
Frank Gehry for Knoll "Hat Trick" Armchair
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Skokie, IL
Frank Gehry for Knoll "Hat Trick" Armchair The iconic "Hat Trick" chair was designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll International. Constructed of hard white maple veneers in 5cm wide, 1mm...
Maple, Plywood
Design Classic Verner Panton Cone Chair, Vitra, 2000s
By Vitra, Verner Panton
Located in Renens, CH
One Chair Left! Originally designed by Verner Panton in the late 1950s for use in a restaurant, the Cone Chair soon became one of his most recognizable designs; Whether it is the ...
Metal
$12,900
H 25.63 in W 23.63 in D 39.38 in
Frank Gehry, "Contour" Rocker, Cardboard, Masonite, Easy Edges, Inc, 1970s
By Frank Gehry
Located in High Point, NC
An early production "Contour" Rocker / Rocking Chaise, designed by architect Frank Gehry. Produced by Easy Edges, Inc, United States / Canada, 1970s. Produced in corrugated cardboard...
Masonite, Paper
Panton Chair, Vitra / Herman Miller Collection
By Verner Panton, Vitra
Located in Neuss, NW
Timeless cantilever Panton Chair of the second generation (1968-71) designed by Verner Panton in 1959. High-quality corpus in red made of polyurethane hard foam. Quality Features: a...
Plastic
$19,227
H 31.5 in W 29.14 in D 43.31 in
Oscar Niemeyer Armchair and Ottoman Model "Alta", circa 1975 White Leather
By Mobilier International, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Oscar Niemeyer armchair and ottoman model "Alta", circa 1975. Rare fireside chairs and its ottoman model "Alta" with adjustable seats and backrests in thick cushions upholstered in w...
Stainless Steel
Whimsical Postmodern Cardboard Sculptural Chair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Postmodern whimsical cardboard sculptural chair from Germany 1980s in brown cardboard and reminiscent of Frank Gehry. The chair is surprisingly ergonomic and comfortable. It certainly adds playful flair and amusement to your space. Condition is good vintage condition with some minimal and acceptable signs of wear. Dimensions as follows: Depth: 22.5 in (57 cm), width: 20 in (51 cm), height: 34.25 in (87 cm), seat height: 17.3 in (44 cm). Having established his own firm in Los Angeles in 1961, Gehry saw a pile of corrugated cardboard outside his office and started to experiment. Inspired by a childhood spent exploring his grandfather’s hardware shop, Gehry set about creating the Easy Edges furniture series, highlighting the strength and versatility of cardboard. “I discovered that by alternating the direction of layers of corrugations, the finished board had enough strength to support a small car...
Paper
Easy Chair in Wood and Blue Fabric, 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Nice easy chair in wood and blue wool fabric. Our eye fell on this chair due to the shape of the nice wooden base that gives it an elegant feel due ...
Fabric, Wood
$1,335 / item
H 32.25 in W 16.5 in D 19.25 in
Jean Prouvé Standard Chair in Natural Oak and Gray Metal for Vitra
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Glendale, CA
Jean Prouvé Standard chair in natural oak and gray metal for Vitra. The Standard chair is an early masterpiece by the French designer and engineer Jean Prouvé. Originally designed in...
Steel
Sold
H 33 in W 31.25 in D 28 in
Vintage 1993 Frank Gehry for Knoll Power Play Woven Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Frank Gehry for Knoll "Power Play" armchair and ottoman. This stunning artful furniture designed by Frank Gehry and produced by Knoll feature a bentwood construction with a ribbon-...
Maple
Sold
H 33.5 in W 21 in D 23 in
Set of 6 Frank Gehry for Knoll Hat Trick Maple Bentwood Arm and Side Chairs 1993
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of vintage Frank Gehry for Knoll "Hat Trick" dining chairs. This stunning artful furniture designed by Frank Gehry and produced by Knoll features a bentwood construction with a...
Maple
Sold
H 33.5 in W 19 in D 19 in
Vintage 1993 Frank Gehry x Knoll Dark Green Hat Trick Maple Bentwood Side Chair
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Frank Gehry for Knoll "Hat Trick" side chair. This stunning artful furniture designed by Frank Gehry and produced by Knoll features a bentwood construction with a ribbon-like desig...
Maple
Sold
H 33.5 in W 21 in D 21 in
Vintage 1993 Frank Gehry for Knoll Dark Green Hat Trick Maple Bentwood Armchair
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Frank Gehry for Knoll "Hat Trick" armchair. This stunning artful furniture designed by Frank Gehry and produced by Knoll features a bentwood construction with a ribbon-like design....
Maple
Frank Gehry Cross Check Chairs by Knoll
By Frank Gehry
Located in Oakville, CA
Courtesy of Knoll: "Inspired by the surprising strength of the apple crates he played on as a child, Frank Gehry created his thoroughly original collection of bentwood furniture. The...
Maple
Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" Wiggle Side Chair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Dronten, NL
Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" wiggle chair by Vitra. Labeled underneath, excellent condition. The chair was designed in 1972 by Frank O. Gehry for Jack Brogan, USA 1972-1973. Reissued by...
Other
Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" Wiggle Side Chair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Dronten, NL
Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" wiggle chair by Vitra. Labeled underneath, excellent condition. The chair was designed in 1972 by Frank O. Gehry for Jack Brogan, USA 1972-1973. Reissued by...
Other
Sold
H 32.75 in W 32.25 in D 30.5 in
Knoll Frank Gehry Power Play Pair of Bentwood Armchairs and Matching Ottoman
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of Knoll Frank Gehry "Power Play" armchairs and ottoman. This stunning set of artful furniture designed by Frank Gehry and produced by Knoll feature a bentwood construction with a ribbon-like design. These pieces are inspired by Gehry's childhood, specifically by the apple crates...
Bentwood
Frank Gehry Wiggle Chair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Dronten, NL
Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" wiggle chair made by Vitra. Labeled underneath, excellent condition. The Wiggle Chair is a true testament to architectural ingen...
Other
Frank Gehry 'Easy Edges' Chair Art Object, 1970s
By Frank Gehry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early example of one of Frank Gehry's cardboard chairs. Nice architectural design with a great patina and wear consistent with age and use. It was well loved. Despite its' apparen...
Papercord, Paper
Sold
H 34.25 in W 27.5 in D 28.75 in
Mid Century Cross Check Bent Maple Chair by Frank Gehry for Knoll, 1993
By Frank Gehry
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Inspired by the apple crates he had played on as a child, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry created the ribbon-like design of the Cross Check chair with interwoven maple s...
Maple
Sold
H 34.26 in W 27.56 in D 28.75 in
Frank Gehry for Knoll, Pair of Cross Check Chairs in Bent Maple Wood
By Frank Gehry
Located in Paris, FR
Inspired by the apple crates he had played on as a child, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry created the ribbon-like design of the Cross Check chair...
Maple, Bentwood