The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to his coffee tables, mirrors, Lucite lamps and other furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal.
In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.
Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor.
By 1965, Springer had established his own Manhattan atelier. It was Pierre Scapula, decorator to Jackie and Aristotle Onassis, who spotted Springer's disco-era Onassis chairs — which didn't yet have a name — first commissioned for a private residence in Acapulco, on the floor of the designer’s East 61st Street showroom. Jackie ordered barstools for the couple’s yacht, the Christina O, and dining chairs for their house on the Greek mainland.
At the time of his death, Springer had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.
The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes.
Springer employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.
Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Modernist Python Skin Tray by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist python skin tray, crafted by the renowned designer Karl Springer circa 1980, is a striking expression of his ability to transform everyday objects into lux...
Python
$930
H 0.99 in W 19.3 in D 11.42 in
Mid-century Lucite and Brass Serving Tray by Guzzini, Italy, 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-century Lucite and brass serving tray by Guzzini, Italy, 1970s Intact and in good condition. Width 49 cm Depth 29 cm Height 2.5 cm
Brass
Karl Springer Mid Century Lacquered Goat Skin Side End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Karl Springer Mid Century lacquered goat skin side end table Table measures: 36.5 wide x 24.5 deep x 25.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as ...
Goatskin
Mid Century Adjustable Wicker Bed Breakfast Tray
By Neiman Marcus
Located in Waxahachie, TX
1970s Neiman Marcus wicker breakfast tray. Same kind used in the movie Trading Places. Wicker and wood breakfast or bed tray. A fantastic piece ...
Wicker
$1,250Sale Price|24% Off
H 16.75 in W 24 in D 24 in
Danish Mid-Century "Model 4508" Teak Folding Tray Table by Fritz Hansen, 1950s
By Willumsen & Engholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fritz Hansen's Model 4508 tray table represents one of the more inventive solutions to come out of the Danish Mid-Century furniture industry. The round teak tray features a raised li...
Teak
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Serving Tray Table
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Søborg, DK
Elegant and beautiful vintage teak folding tray table from the 1960s.
Teak
Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, signed.
Bronze
$1,450 / set
H 24.41 in W 17.92 in D 12.8 in
Mid Century Black Metal Serving Tray on Folding Stand by Crest Line
Located in Miami, FL
Two elegant antique metal butler trays in black, on an original stand dating to around 1960. Two good-size folding trays on an X-frame stand, all in an original finish. A quality and...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Teak Tray, Scandinavian Design, Vintage, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak Tray, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Teak Style: Mid-Century Modern Color: Brown Item Type: ...
Teak
Lacquered Goat Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lacquered parchment square dining table or card table. High quality thick lacquer finish over real parchment.
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Python Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular coffee table covered in real brown python with polished steel banding on the legs.
Steel
Karl Springer Python Skin Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This can be used as either a bench or a table. A classic Michael Frank 1940s design reimagined by Karl Springer, Label below
Leather
Mid-Century Swedish Space Age Red Melamin Tray, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Swedish Space Age Red Melamin Tray, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Melamine Style: Mid-Century Modern Country ...
Glass