Richard Schultz, Executive Desk for Knoll International
View Similar Items
Richard Schultz, Executive Desk for Knoll International
About the Item
- Creator:Richard Schultz (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28.35 in (72 cm)Width: 66.93 in (170 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1966
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
- Seller Location:Lisbon, PT
- Reference Number:Seller: AM471stDibs: LU204837503803
Richard Schultz
Many of today’s most popular outdoor furniture designs exist thanks to the talents of designer Richard Schultz. His mid-century modern style introduced unimposing pieces to gardens and outdoor spaces. The airy shapes and timeless appeal of his furniture reflect his motto: “Form follows technique.”
Born Moses Richard Schultz in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1926, he displayed an early talent as an engineer, building steam engines in his family’s basement. Although he possessed an engineer’s mind, Schultz struggled with mathematics, and he dropped out of the Iowa State University mechanical engineering program. He joined the U.S. Navy, working as a radio operator. Following his military service, he enrolled at the Institute of Design in Chicago.
After he graduated in 1950, Schultz traveled to Europe, where he spent the summer sketching. When he returned to the United States in 1951, he applied for a position as a designer at the furniture company Knoll Inc. in New York City. It is said that Florence Knoll, wife of the company’s founder Hans Knoll, hired him on the spot based solely on his sketches.
Schultz’s first assignment was to assist designer Harry Bertoia with the Bertoia Wire Collection at Knoll’s factory in Pennsylvania. Schultz’s 715 Chaise Longue, with its adjustable frame and signature solid wheel, complemented Bertoia’s collection. It was acquired in 1963 by the Museum of Modern Art for its collection of contemporary furniture. Another iconic piece Schultz produced around this time was the Petal Table. Its wooden “petal” tabletop and enameled metal base were inspired by the plant Queen Anne’s lace.
In 1966, one of Schultz’s most esteemed collections, the Leisure Collection (reissued in 1992 as the 1966 Collection), was created when Florence Knoll requested some outdoor furniture for her Florida home that could withstand the salty ocean air. Schultz designed a line of aluminum patio coffee tables and lounge chairs that were not only fashionable and comfortable but would not rust.
In 1972, Knoll laid off its designers, including Schultz, and he started his design studio — Richard Schultz Design — out of a Pennsylvania farmhouse. He enjoyed success with another of his influential pieces, the Paradigm office chair, which he sold to furniture manufacturer Stow & Davis in 1978. In 2012, Knoll acquired Richard Schultz Design and re-released many of his classic works.
Schultz died in 2021. He left a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated outdoor furniture creators.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Richard Schultz tables, building and garden elements, seating and more.
- Unique Richard Schultz Coffee Table for Knoll InternationalBy Richard SchultzLocated in Munich, DEI never saw this model before not in real life and not in any Knoll catalog. Tabletop is teakwood.Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsTeak
$1,000 Sale Price37% Off - Richard Schultz for Knoll International Redwood Petal TableBy Richard SchultzLocated in Palm Springs, CAVintage 1960's redwood petal coffee table designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll. table measures 15" in height by 48" in diameter. In very good vintage 1960's condition showing some...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMetal
$3,600 Sale Price20% Off - Knoll International Executive Desk S 872 Florence KnollBy Knoll, Florence KnollLocated in Köln, NRWWriting desk by Florence Knoll model 872 Steel frame chromed, top wood lacquered white with two drawers. Florence Marguerite Knoll Basset was one of the most renowned US design...Category
Mid-20th Century European Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Richard Schultz for Knoll International Red Lacquered Redwood 'Petal' TableBy Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in New York, NYAmerican Mid-Century 'petal' form center table made of redwood and finished with red lacquer, resting on a pedestal base. (RICHARD SCHULTZ FOR KNOLL INTERNATIONAL).Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Center Tables
MaterialsWood, Lacquer
- Richard Schultz for Knoll International Beige Lacquered 'Petal' Coffee TableBy Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in New York, NYAmerican mid-century 'petal' form coffee / cocktail table made of redwood and finished with beige lacquer, resting on a pedestal base. (Richard Schultz for Knoll International).Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWood
- 'Petal' Coffee Table by Richard Schultz for Knoll International, 1960By Richard Schultz, KnollLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis early production 'Petal' coffee table by Richard Schultz for Knoll International, designed in 1960, is a favorite amongst Mid-Century Modern collectors and enthusiasts. Schultz ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMetal
$3,120 Sale Price20% Off