Architectural Leather Bench by Karl Springer
View Similar Items
Architectural Leather Bench by Karl Springer
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Width: 60 in (152.4 cm)Depth: 20.25 in (51.44 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:North Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU127023088612
Karl Springer
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 Modern Chrome Bench, 2 AvailableLocated in North Hollywood, CAFabulous Mid-Century Modern chrome bench designed and manufactured in the United States, circa 1970s. Features a wide and comfortable seat that has...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsAluminum, Chrome
$1,650 / item - Vintage Embossed Leather Desk by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in North Hollywood, CAAn elegant vintage leather desk designed by iconic designer Karl Springer in the United States, circa 1970s. Standing out for its minimalist design, this desk has 2 large drawers that are great for storing documents and office supplies...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Vintage Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in North Hollywood, CAWonderful vintage lucite and glass coffee table designed by the iconic designer Karl Springer in the United States, circa 1980s. This coffee table has a unique design in which its co...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsGlass, Lucite
- Mid-Century Modern Settee by Florence KnollBy Florence KnollLocated in North Hollywood, CAWonderful Mid-Century Modern settee designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates, Inc. in the United States, circa 1960s. This settee has a clean design around its edges and an el...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
- Vintage Brass Loveseat in the Style of Milo Baughman for Thayer CogginBy Thayer Coggin, Milo BaughmanLocated in North Hollywood, CABeautiful vintage brass loveseat made in the style of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the United States, circa 1970s. This loveseat has an elegant design that highlights the round...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
MaterialsBrass
- Architectural Pottery M-2 Planter by Paul McCobbBy Paul McCobb, Architectural PotteryLocated in North Hollywood, CAExceptional ceramic planter model “M-2” designed by Paul McCobb for Architectural Pottery in the United States, circa 1960s. This planter has a shape that starts from a narrow neck a...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsCeramic
- Karl Springer Modern Leather BenchBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYModern leather surfaced bench with waterfall rounded armrests, made by Karl Springer in 1987. Signed and dated by the designer. The piece is in great vintage condition with age-appro...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Benches
MaterialsLeather
- Karl Springer X BenchBy Karl SpringerLocated in West Palm Beach, FLKarl Springer X Form Bench Original Fur seat.Category
Vintage 1970s American Benches
MaterialsMetal
Sold$5,200 - Karl Springer White Scored Leather BenchBy Karl SpringerLocated in West Palm Beach, FLA Karl Springer white leather bench Original surface Leather label.Category
Vintage 1970s American Benches
MaterialsLeather
- Dark Brown Scored Leather Bench by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Palm Springs, CA1970s H dark brown scored leather bench by renowned designer Karl Springer. The bench is constructed of wood covered in dark brown scored leather. Newly restored. Shows minor wear consistent with age. Sheep rug...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Benches
MaterialsLeather
- Karl Springer Stainless Steel & Leather Bench, 1980’sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Chicago, ILKarl Springer stainless steel and leather bench, circa 1980’s. All original.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Benches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Karl Springer, JMF “C” BenchesBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYThis exquisite pair of Jean-Michel Frank inspired “C” benches designed and made by Karl Springer feature elegant curved polished stainless steel legs and newly...Category
Late 20th Century American Benches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request