1st-Gen Knoll 'Barcelona' Stool by Mies Van Der Rohe, c. 1968, Double-Signed
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Lilly Reich
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic collectors example of a double-signed 1st-Generation "original" Barcelona stool / ottoman by Knoll International labelled (on the cushion) and stamped (on the frame) and in its original gorgeous cognac brown color leather. What is special about this piece is that it was produced between 1968 and 1969 just after Knoll Associates became Knoll International, at the height of their ascent in modern designs and production and just before they moved to their future location on Fifth Ave in 1970. Shortly after this period they changed production on the Barcelona line thus making these rare collectors examples from the end of Knoll's 1st Generation production run of the Barcelona series and for collectors, often the most desirable.
*Note, we have a pair of Barcelona Chairs with two ottomans in another listing. We acquired this set from the daughter of the original owner who had two chairs and three ottomans. This listing is only for the single ottoman. See our other listings or contact us if you wish to purchase as a combined set.
Being one of the most copied designs (and a timeless classic), we never purchase unsigned Barcelona chairs and we suggest you be hesitant when considering unsigned examples, so of course we were delighted to acquire this fantastic set of signed originals. In addition - people often add Knoll stickers to fakes, so the entirety of details is vastly more important than just a sticker label alone. This stool / ottoman possess its original Knoll International paper label stitched into the cushion with the 320 Park Ave New York address. We have confirmed these paper labels have not been removed and reattached via the stitching which is a great sign that the leather and underside canvas are original. And the frame has the Knoll Production KP-stamp which Knoll used in their early years to identify their stainless steel frames. The correct strap fasteners are apparent indicating they have not been replaced. The leather straps exhibit correct age and via its details we have determined the straps are original as well. And even the foam inside of the cushions are original - there is slight firmness and hardening to them which is actually a good thing, it shows that it is original which collectors prefer. All in all, this is a fabulous all-original double-signed example with original frame, original straps and hardware, original leather cushions, original inner foam, and original canvas fabric on the undersides of the seat cushion. Collectors and art/design investors... eat your hearts out.
With this early 1st Gen example you'll feel pride in that you have the "real thing", and rare early production examples to boot, while your friends boast either a knock-off, reproduction or brand-new production-line versions which do not have the collectability value as the earlier originals such as this one - you can feel pride in having one of the most desirable examples out there.
Considered to be the epitome of modern design, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich originally designed the Barcelona chair in 1929 to serve as seating for the king and queen of Spain in the German Pavilion. This was Germany's entry for the International Exhibition, hosted by Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The frames were made with polished chrome hand-ground and hand-buffed to a mirror finish with leather upholstery straps attached with aluminum rivets. The upholstery is fabricated from a single cowhide with each individual panel being cut, hand-welted and hand tufted with leather buttons.
Whether you're a designer seeking a quintessential piece or a collector adding to your modern design collection, this iconic Knoll International Barcelona...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Stools