Kipp Stewart Modern Lounge Chairs by Directional
About the Item
- Creator:Kipp Stewart (Designer),Directional (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 33 in (83.82 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960-1969
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. age appropriate wear, some oxidation, vintage finish worn in areas, some scuffs/scratches, fabric torn/soiled.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:
Kipp Stewart
The ultimate multi-hyphenate, Kipp Stewart (b. 1928) counted painting, photography, architecture and furniture design among his talents. Known to furniture obsessives for the Declaration series he codesigned for North Carolina’s Drexel Furniture, Stewart was actually born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1928 and is most commonly associated with mid-century design movements of his adopted home state of California. There, in 1972, Stewart designed the Ventana Big Sur, a luxury resort near Montecito for which he oversaw architecture, planning, furniture and interior design across 160 acres of land.
By the time Stewart spearheaded the Ventana, he was already well versed in furniture design. After briefly serving in the U.S. Navy as a teenager, Stewart enrolled at the Chouinard Art Institute (present-day CalArts) in Los Angeles. By the time he graduated, he was steeped in the world of modern seating design, experimenting with new chair models that bridged form and function. Charles and Ray Eames were important influences on his early work, which included a chrome-framed lounge chair whose reclined shape bears a striking resemblance to the Eameses’ iconic lounge.
In the late 1950s, Stewart partnered with another West Coast furniture designer, Stewart MacDougall, on a line of modern furniture for Drexel. (The pair were also producing case pieces and more for Glenn of California.) Drexel soon unveiled Stewart and McDougall’s Declaration line, which was constructed entirely of natural walnut and featured the choice of white porcelain or brass drawer pulls and cabinet door handles. Although its stylish credenzas and other pieces reflect the kind of slim-lined, low-slung silhouettes for which mid-century design has become known, there are also elements that nod to earlier American and European furniture design, such as the dining chairs whose flattened spindle backs recall Shaker and Windsor chair design, distinguishing them from the modern designs becoming prolific in Scandinavia at the time. The pieces were so indicative of a particularly American style, in fact, that several items from the collection were selected by the U.S. government to represent the country at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958.
While Stewart found success as a painter and with his Ventana hotel project — and had also designed chairs, chests and more for Directional — the Drexel Declaration line is his best-known furniture collection and remains highly sought after by collectors today.
Find a wide range of vintage Kipp Stewart furniture on 1stDibs, including dining room chairs, end tables and more.
Directional
A brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere, Directional Furniture opened its doors after American furniture designer Paul McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York–based Modernage Company.
In his pivotal introduction of postwar modernism to the mass market, the revered Massachusetts-born McCobb had established several lines, from the affordable and refined Planner Group for Winchendon to the swooping and unexpected arms of the Symmetric Group for Widdicomb, a Shaker-inspired collection that included a sofa and a lounge chair. Like all of McCobb’s designs, the Directional pieces for Modernage are defined by a sleek aesthetic in which the focus is on elegant functionality, frequently using fine materials such as brass and walnut. In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company.
The pair’s first pieces were upholstered chairs, intended to harmonize with the modular Multiplex pieces designed by Martin Feinman. McCobb then designed an array of furniture including storage, dining, seating, desks and other pieces with details such as leather tops, wood finishes and Roman Travertine surfaces. While Directional stopped production of McCobb’s work in the early 1960s, it still released numerous pieces by leading designers manufactured by a variety of companies.
Designer Paul Evans led the factory for a time after joining in 1964. His provocative work for the company often reflected his understanding of materials from his early training as a silversmith, such as the popular Cityscape series — a milestone in brutalist design — with its blocky forms accented with brass and chrome. At his shop in Lambertville, New Jersey, he collaborated with a design team to clad furniture pieces in metallic surfaces, like the Argente line that began production in 1968 and involved an acetylene torch to give its aluminum material a textural quality. He also worked on the Sculpted Bronze series with hand-formed resin shaped over plywood or steel that was then coated with atomized bronze.
Other Directional designers included Vladimir Kagan, who contributed biomorphic sofas and swivel chairs; Milo Baughman, who created tables and dressers inspired by Scandinavian modernism; and Jack Lenor Larsen, who covered sofas in dynamically patterned fabric.
Find authentic Directional Furniture seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brooklyn, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Kipp Stewart for Directional ChairsBy Kipp Stewart, DirectionalLocated in Brooklyn, NYPair of spectacular mid-century modern lounge chairs designed by Kipp Stewart. Scoop frame with soft leather set on polished chrome. Please confirm location NY or NJCategory
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair by Paul McCobbBy Paul McCobbLocated in Brooklyn, NYComfort and Mid-Century Modern style meet in this timeless lounge chair by Paul McCobb. Sturdy walnut base with tapered legs supports simple modern seat with ample space for comforta...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Pair of Lounge Chairs by DirectionalBy DirectionalLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis vintage pair of lounge chairs by Directional feature a shimmering upholstery with embroidered floral designs throughout. A half-round back and cushioned seat offer a comfortable...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Mid-Century Lounge Chair by DirectionalBy DirectionalLocated in Brooklyn, NYFunky bubble chair made by Directional. Tufted orange Naugahyde cushions on polished tubular frame. Please confirm location NY or NJCategory
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Vintage Modern Barrel Back Lounge ChairBy Thayer CogginLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis unique chrome frame barrel back lounge offers a stylish and comfortable addition to any interior. Unique textured fabric and Classic design mak...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
- Pair of Vintage Modern Sculptural Lounge ChairsLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis pair of midcentury Italian lounge chairs feature an ebonized frame, chrome capped feet, and unique spindled arms which offer a modern flare to any home or office space. Plea...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Kipp Stewart for Directional Lounge Chairs in Jack Lenor Larsen VelvetBy Harvey Probber, Kipp Stewart, Directional, Dunbar Furniture, Edward WormleyLocated in Decatur, GAExceptional and rare pair of barrel back lounge chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional with all original Jack Lenor Larsen velvet. Solid dark mahogany bases with brass casters. An el...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
MaterialsVelvet
- Pair of Suede Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart Chairs for DirectionalBy Kipp StewartLocated in Stamford, CTA comfortable and sophisticated pair of lounge chairs designed by Kipp Stewart in the 1970s for Directional. The streamlined steel base is chrome plated. The upholstery is off white ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
- Mid Century Kipp Stewart “Arc Lounge Chairs” for DirectionalBy Kipp Stewart, DirectionalLocated in Baltimore, MDA stunning pair of mid-century modern 1960s “Arc” lounge chairs designed by Kipp Stewart for Directional furniture. An exceptional pair, both for their form and quality. The pair emb...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional 1960sBy Directional, Kipp StewartLocated in Ft Lauderdale, FLPair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional 1960s Newly upholstered in slate gray / dark indigo cotton fabric with fiv...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Kipp Stewart Directional Original Leather Stainless Steel Lounge Chair OttomanBy Directional, Kipp StewartLocated in Philadelphia, PAWow, original and buttery soft, off-white leather! On a polished and hefty stainless steel base. This super cool "Arc" lounge chair and ottoman, a complete and original matching set,...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Kipp Stewart Black Leather and Chrome Arc Lounge Chairs for Directional - a PairBy Kipp Stewart, DirectionalLocated in Miami, FLPair of black leather and chrome Arc lounge chairs designed by Kipp Stewart and manufactured by Directional. The leather backrest and leather cove...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome