Karl Springer Leather Clad Desk and Chair
View Similar Items
Karl Springer Leather Clad Desk and Chair
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 64 in (162.56 cm)Depth: 32 in (81.28 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1976
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. all surfaces have been cleaned and resealed. ready for use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU795320291522
Karl Springer
The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to 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, he had established his own Manhattan atelier, and at his death he 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. He 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.
- Karl Springer Pair of Black Leather Arm ChairsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CAKarl Springer designed, Pair of black "Bentwood" arm chairs Authentic and documented. Lacquered wood with leather upholstery. Ready for use. The color is black. Good example of this...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsWood, Leather
$3,800 / set - Karl Springer Pair of Bullet LightsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CAKarl Springer Designed Pair of Bullet Lights. Polished brass with gun metal finish. Original honey comb diffuser. Heavy, and solid, with felt bottom. These lights can be floor light...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
$5,400 / set - Karl Springer Six Panel Coromandel ScreenBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CARare Karl Springer Coromandel screen. Authentic and original, circa 1978. Six panels, decorated on one side with black lacquer overlay on gold...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Screens and Room Dividers
MaterialsWood
$34,000 / set - Polished Steel and Leather BenchLocated in Los Angeles, CAUpholstered Beige Leather Bench with polished steel legs and edge. Supported underneath with a steel cross frame. Excellent quality, heavy, sturdy...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Benches
MaterialsSteel
- Aldo Turo Cocktail TrayBy Aldo TuraLocated in Los Angeles, CACocktail Tray created by Italian Designer, Aldo Tura, 1960's. Lacquered goat skin over mahogany with metal railings. Durable finish. Top quality materials and craftsmanship. 12" W ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware
MaterialsGoatskin, Mahogany
- 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
- Karl Springer Lizard Skin Desk, 1970By Karl SpringerLocated in Chicago, ILKarl Springer lizard skin desk, 1970. Desk has 3 drawers and has been restored.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsLizard
- Linen Wrapped Karl Springer Style Desk, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Hamburg, PAA chic lacquered linen-covered scroll desk with one drawer. This beautiful ivory Karl Springer-style simple line desk would look great in any interior. It would work well with Mid-Ce...Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsLinen, Wood
- Karl Springer Parsons DeskLocated in New York, NYKarl Springer Parsons desk or console table with two drawers. The desk is lacquered faux leather with a reptile print. This work has been authenticated b...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsFaux Leather
$10,700 - Karl Springer Zebrawood Writing Desk with Stainless Steel and Brass AccentsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Miami, FLKarl Springer zebrawood writing desk with stainless steel and brass accents Offered for sale is a highly polished Karl Springer exotic zebrawood writing desk with a stainless stee...Category
Late 20th Century American Desks
MaterialsBrass, Stainless Steel
$14,400 Sale Price20% Off - Pencil Reed Executive Desk in the Style of Karl Springer, USA 1970'sBy Karl SpringerLocated in Los Angeles, CAIntroducing the Pencil Reed Executive Desk in the Style of Karl Springer, USA 1970's – a timeless piece that exudes sophistication and elegance. This wooden desk boasts a sleek desig...Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsWood