Six Onassis Goatskin Armchairs by Karl Springer
View Similar Items
Six Onassis Goatskin Armchairs by Karl Springer
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 75 in (190.5 cm)Width: 61 in (154.94 cm)Depth: 52 in (132.08 cm)Seat Height: 47 in (119.38 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1980s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very Good Condition.
- Seller Location:Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU98081266830
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to 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, he had established his own Manhattan atelier, and at his death he 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. He 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.
- Custom Olive Goatskin Onassis Chairs in the Manner of Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in North Miami, FLA total of six custom "Onassis" -style chairs in olive goatskin with a light dusting of shimmery gold in the lacquer. Priced at $3600 per pair.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGoatskin, Wood
- Set of Four Onassis White Lacquer Chairs by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Atlanta, GAA set of four "Jackie Onassis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Finished in glossy white lacquer and upholstered in a black leather with a slight s...Category
Vintage 1980s American American Craftsman Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood, Leather
- 6 Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in Goatskin with Leather SeatsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CASet of six original Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in goatskin. The six chairs have been in a one user household and are in great vintage conditi...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGoatskin
- Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Dallas, TXA wonderful set of eight "Regency" armchairs designed by Karl Springer in original lacquered lacewood.Category
Vintage 1980s Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLacquer
$16,000 / set - Pair of Karl Springer Goatskin Onassis Chairs with Leather Upholstered SeatsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CAA pair of original Karl Springer Onassis chairs in lacquered goatskin. The pair have been in a one user household and are in great vintage condition. We have six of the same chair in...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGoatskin, Wood, Lacquer
- Pair of Signed Springer Bleached Oak Onassis Chairs, 1983 - Two Pairs AvailableBy Karl SpringerLocated in North Miami, FLBeach-chic tones of cream, white, oyster grey and palest taupe make these bleached oak 1980s Karl Springer "Onassis" chairs absolute stunners. Expertly upholstered in a luxe cream bo...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsOak, Bouclé