Mid-century Grasshopper chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll (1950s)
About the Item
- Creator:Knoll (Manufacturer),Eero Saarinen (Designer)
- Attributed to:Wohnbedarf (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 34.26 in (87 cm)Width: 28.75 in (73 cm)Depth: 34.26 in (87 cm)Seat Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Refinished. Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has been full reupholstered including new webbing, foam and fabric. The legs has been stripped and revarnished.
- Seller Location:Tunbridge Wells, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7572236482702
Eero Saarinen
Through his work as an architect and designer, Eero Saarinen was a prime mover in the introduction of modernism into the American mainstream. Particularly affecting were the organic, curvilinear forms seen in Saarinen’s furniture and his best-known structures: the gull-winged TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy airport in New York (opened 1962), Dulles International Airport in Virginia (1962) and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri (1965).
Saarinen had a peerless modernist pedigree. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was an eminent Finnish architect who in 1932 became the first head of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit. The school became synonymous with progressive design and decorative arts in the United States, and while studying there the younger Saarinen met and befriended several luminaries of mid-century modernism, among them Harry Bertoia and Charles and Ray Eames.
At Cranbrook, Saarinen also met Florence Schust Knoll, who, as director of her husband Hans Knoll's eponymous furniture company, would put Saarinen’s best designs into production. These include the Grasshopper chair, designed in 1946 and so named because its angled bentwood frame resembles the insect; the Tulip chair (1957), a flower-shaped fiberglass shell mounted on a cast-aluminum pedestal; and the lushly contoured Womb lounge chair and ottoman (1948). In his furniture as in his architecture, the keynotes of Eero Saarinen’s designs are simplicity, strength and grace.
Find vintage Eero Saarinen tables, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Knoll
As a company that produced many of the most famous and iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, Knoll was a chief influence in the rise of modern design in the United States. Led by Florence Knoll, the firm would draw stellar talents such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen into its compass. Their work would help change the face of the American home and office.
The company was formed in 1938 by the German immigrant Hans Knoll. He first worked with his fellow ex-pat, the Danish designer Jens Risom, who created furniture with flowing lines made of wood. While Risom served in World War II, in 1943 Knoll met his future wife, Florence Schust. She had studied and worked with eminent emigré leaders of the Bauhaus, including Mies, Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. She won Knoll over with Bauhaus notions of industrial arts, and an aesthetic that featured flat and tubular metal frames and angular forms. When Hans died in a car crash in 1955, Florence Knoll was appointed head of the company. It was as much through her holistic approach to design — a core division of the firm was dedicated to planning office systems — as Knoll's mid-century modern furnishings themselves that she brought about the sleek and efficient transformation of the American workplace.
Today, classic Knoll furnishings remain staples of modern design collections and decor. A history of modern design is written in pieces such as the elegant Barcelona chair — created by Mies and Lilly Reich — Saarinen’s pedestal Tulip chair, Breuer’s tubular steel Wassily lounge chair and the grid-patterned Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia.
As you can see from the collection of these designs and other vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and tables on 1stDibs, this manufacturer's offerings have become timeless emblems of the progressive spirit and sleek sophistication of the best of modernism.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- A mid-century Danish ''Superstar'' by Sigurd Ressell for Trygg MoblerBy Sigurd Resell, Vatne MøblerLocated in Tunbridge Wells, GBA rare ‘Superstar’ lounge set by Mid Century Danish furniture producer Trygg Mobler that was only produced in limited numbers between 1973-76. This featu...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Pair Teak Dining Chairs by Harry Østergaard for Randers MøbelfabrikBy Harry Østergaard, Randers MøbelfabrikLocated in Tunbridge Wells, GBThis pair of teak Harry Østergaard designed chairs for Randers Møbelfabrik are timeless with a beautifully sculptured back and splayed legs. The result is an elegant chair that is in...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWool, Teak
- A mid-century free standing cabinet by Robex in teak with metal supportsBy LadderaxLocated in Tunbridge Wells, GBA very rare mid century shelving unit by Robex (makers mark on the inside brackets in the cupboards). The unit consists of three drawe...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsSteel
- Mid Century Side Table by Lorenzo Burchiellaro in Aluminium with Glass ShelvesBy Lorenzo BurchiellaroLocated in Tunbridge Wells, GBA rare mid-century cube form textured aluminium bar trolley, designed by Lorenzo Burchiellaro. Cast Aluminium, with a brushed texture adding depth and interest to the item, with ...Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- Spectacular space age mid-century table lampLocated in Tunbridge Wells, GBSpectacular mushroom shaped mid century table lamp The pictures do not do this lamp justice as the lamp has presence due to its size. The lamp is in very good condition for its age...Category
Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsEnamel
- Mid-Century Floor Lamp with a Chrome Tripod Base, GreenLocated in Tunbridge Wells, GBA mid-century lamp, with chrome tripod base and a white and green shade. Stunning condition. Recently imported from Europe.Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Vintage Swiss Production Grasshopper Chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, 1950sBy Knoll, Eero SaarinenLocated in Renens, CHGrasshopper Chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll The Grasshopper (or model 61) chair was designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1946, it was actually the first chair designed for the Knoll company, and turned out as an immediate success. Saarinen, an American but Finnish-born architect / industrial designer, was one of the main influencers of the new, modernist style now typical for mid-century American furniture design. His aim has always been to use simple forms, provide a comfortable user experience, while applying new techniques and often in cooperation with others. The use of laminated birch wood, regularly seen in the designs of Charles and Ray Eames is no coincidence, since they have worked together in the early 1940s. Other well-known pieces are the Womb Chair, and the Tulip or Pedestal series. Our lounge chair is a Knoll International original, a licensed early Swiss...Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWool, Wood
- Eero Saarinen for Knoll Model 61 Grasshopper Mid Century Lounge Chairs - a PairBy Knoll, Eero SaarinenLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLGrasshoper Chairs designed by Knoll and created by Eero Saarinen. This was Saarinen’s first chair for Knoll in the 40sCategory
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Properly Restored Early Production Eero Saarinen Grasshopper Chair for KnollBy Knoll, Eero SaarinenLocated in Ferndale, MIEero Saarinen's "Grasshopper " chair model 61 was the first lounge chair he designed for Knoll in the late 1940s before designing the Womb chair . Responding to what he saw as the r...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Maple
- Early Eero Saarinen Grasshopper Lounge Chair for KnollBy Eero SaarinenLocated in Cincinnati, OHA early production Grasshopper lounge chair with nice sculptural arms and leg design . The upholstery is a mellow oatmeal color with the butter scotch birch arms making quite the sta...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Recently Restored Eero Saarinen for Knoll Model 61 Grasshopper Lounge ChairBy Knoll, Eero SaarinenLocated in Ferndale, MIEero Saarinen and Florence Knoll grew up together at Cranbrook school. Having remained close through the years Saarinen was asked to develop modern de...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Maple
- Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair, 1950By Knoll, Eero SaarinenLocated in Chicago, ILEarly Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair, 1950. Upholstery is all original. We have in house upholstery if interested for an additional charge....Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsIron
