Sculptural Bench Clad in Scored Leather by Karl Springer
View Similar Items
Sculptural Bench Clad in Scored Leather by Karl Springer
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Width: 54 in (137.16 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)Seat Height: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: bench1261stDibs: LU78383596852
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.
- Pair of Chic Benches in Wicker in the Style of Karl Springer, 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of chic benches in white wicker with curving sides and newly reupholstered seats in the style of Karl Springer, American 1970's. Newly reupholstered in linen by Lobel Modern. ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsUpholstery, Wicker
- Karl Springer Stunning "Round Leg Lucite Bench" 1980s (Signed)By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYBeautifully made “Round Leg Lucite Bench” with polished brass stretchers and upholstered seat by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on front of stretcher). Brass...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Benches
MaterialsBrass
- Karl Springer Pair of Rare JMF Benches in Ox Blood Goatskin with Cushions 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of rare sculptural “J.M.F. Benches” in oxblood lacquered goatskin with seat cushions by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These exquisite benches are stunning in every way. Newl...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Benches
MaterialsGoatskin, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
- Karl Springer Exceptional Box Table In Leather 1976-1978By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYExceptional Box Table with brown leather on the outside and inside by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. The bottom is covered in silk moiré. This was made as a prototype. The skin w...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Karl Springer Prototype "Cathedral Table" in Leather 1976-1978By Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NY"Cathedral Table" with both base and top covered in contrasting leathers by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. This table was made as a prototype. The arch details are absolutely stu...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Martin Borenstein Elegant Daybed/Bench with Sculptural Legs, 1950sBy Martin BorensteinLocated in New York, NYDaybed/bench with walnut base, upholstered cushion seat and sculptural chrome legs by Martin Borenstein for MB Designs, Challenge Series, American 1960's. Bo...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
MaterialsChrome
- Modern Sculptural Bench Clad in Scored Brown Leather by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Toledo, OHMid-Century Modern sculptural bench clad in brown scored leather by Karl Springer. Very good condition. Dimensions: 18" depth x 44" W x 22" H, seat height 16.5".Category
20th Century American Modern Benches
MaterialsLeather
- 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 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 Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench Mid-Century ModernBy Karl SpringerLocated in Philadelphia, PAKarl Springer Red Leather Art Deco sculptural waterfall bench Mid-Century Modern. Item features red burnished leather wrapped frame, sleek waterfa...Category
Vintage 1980s North American Art Deco Benches
MaterialsLeather, Wood