Karl Springer Ltd. Polished Steel and Brass Open Armchair
View Similar Items
Karl Springer Ltd. Polished Steel and Brass Open Armchair
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)Seat Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Style:Regency (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Ready to place.
- Seller Location:Stamford, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: Avery & Dash - ELS1stDibs: LU918614435141
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.
- Desk ‘Bird’ Chair by Preben Fabricius for Alfred KillBy Jørgen Kastholm & Preben FabriciusLocated in Stamford, CTA Bird chair by Jorgen Kastholm and Preben Fabricius for Alfred Kill. This desk chair model has the rarer Casters. Newly recovered in black Sorensen leather.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Modern Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Signed Karl Springer Python Skin Parsons TableBy Karl SpringerLocated in Stamford, CTA Karl Springer python skin Parsons table signed with leather tag on the underside. Signed and dated 1991.
- Large and Important Signed Karl Springer Mirror with Lacquered Goatskin FrameBy Karl SpringerLocated in Stamford, CTA large and important signed Karl Springer mirror with lacquered goatskin frame in tortoise color with beveled glass mirror and silvered brass tone insets around the frame. Mirror ha...Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsGoatskin
- Signed Karl Springer Side Table with Cantilevered Glass TopBy Karl SpringerLocated in Stamford, CTA gunmetal and glass cantilevered cocktail table designed by Karl Springer. Singed at foot of base.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Pair of Karl Springer Snake Skin Two Tier Side TablesBy Karl SpringerLocated in Stamford, CTA pair of Karl Springer snake skin two tier side tables on wheels. Signed and dated.Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsAnimal Skin
- Karl Springer "Kyoto" Box on Stand In Faux Wood DesignBy Karl SpringerLocated in Stamford, CTThe Kyoto Box on stand is a striking example of Karl Springers lacquer work. Produced most likely at the height of production in the1980's. A variation ...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsHardwood
- Karl Springer Rare "Regency Armchair" Desk Chair 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYRare and beautifully made "Regency Armchair" desk chair in polished stainless steel and brass with upholstered seat by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality and materials used ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- Karl Springer Polished Steel and Brass BenchBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYOriginal circa 1970s Karl Springer polished stainless steel X-frame bench, with brass details and new black kid glove leather upholstery.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsSteel
- Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs in Lacewood by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Dallas, TXA set of eight regency armchairs in lacewood with original leather designed by Karl Springer for a Steven Chase interior.Category
Vintage 1970s Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather
- Pair of Original Karl Springer Chairs, Stainless Steel and BrassBy Karl SpringerLocated in North Miami, FLOne of Karl Springer’s most popular and versatile designs, the Regency Arm Chair features a slightly tilted back for maximum comfort. The frame is mirror polished stainless steel wit...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- Elegg Stainless Steel Tubular Armchair with Floral Quilted DrapeBy Studio Christine KaliaLocated in Larnaca, CYContinuing the design principles of the signature ELEGG, this armchair comes in a wider version with a suspended armrest. Its soft cushion tube and drape, upholstered in embroidered ...Category
2010s European Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Mid-Century Modern Pair of Italian Chiavari Opéra Chairs in Solid Polished BrassBy Fratelli Levaggi/Guiseppe Gaetano DescalziLocated in Miami, FLA pair of polished brass Chiavari Opéra chairs. First designed by Giuseppe Gaëtan Descalzi produced since the early 19th century in Chiavari, Ligurian Town in Italie. This solid bra...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsBrass