Richard Shultz for Knoll Petal Table
About the Item
- Creator:Richard Schultz (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Diameter: 41.75 in (106.05 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:1960-1969
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Currently being refinished.
- Seller Location:St. Louis, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8202965400
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: St. Louis, MO
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Richard Sapper for Knoll Desk Task Executive or Conference Chair - Brown LeatherBy Richard Sapper, KnollLocated in St. Louis, MODesigner Richard Sapper for Knoll the desk chairs in rich dark brown Spinneybeck leather, fully adjustable on 5 star bases on casters. Product...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Rare 1950s Woodard Wrought Iron & Mesh Dining Patio Table 4 Chairs Ball FinialsBy Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co., SalteriniLocated in St. Louis, MOClassic and Rare 1950s mid century Palm Beach Style, outdoor wrought iron & mesh patio / garden set with four dining chairs and round table by Woodard Furniture Co. From the Carolina Forge...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsAluminum, Wrought Iron
- Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Low Console, TV or Media Table Mahogany BrassBy Edward Wormley, Harvey ProbberLocated in St. Louis, MOMid-Century Modern Harvey Probber minimalist designed low two tier console, TV, Audio or Media table shown in original dark mahogany finish with four round brass legs. Currently fini...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Early Jens Risom for Knoll Strap StoolBy Knoll, Jens RisomLocated in St. Louis, MOEarly Jens Risom for Knoll strap stool for Knoll, missing label, but date stamped May 15, 1952. Original finish shows age, original strap webbing wor...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
MaterialsMaple
- Pair of Classic Florence Knoll for Knoll Studio Tufted Tan Leather Lounge ChairsBy Florence Knoll, KnollLocated in St. Louis, MOClassic Florence Knoll tufted leather lounge chairs, originally designed in 1954, this pair is of recent production. Original Spinneybeck tan leather on satin chrome frame, both an u...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Angelo Mangiarotti "8532" Black Marble Bowl for Knoll International c. 1960sBy Angelo Mangiarotti, KnollLocated in St. Louis, MOAngelo Mangiarotti sculptural Nero Marquina "black" Sculptural marble ashtray, nuts or candy bowl for Knoll International, model # 8532. In excellent condition, little to no use, ver...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsMarble
- Richard Schultz for Knoll White 'Petal' Coffee TableBy Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in Waalwijk, NLRichard Schultz for Knoll, 'petal' coffee table, aluminum, steel, polyurethane, United States, design 1960 This petal coffee or cocktail table is designed by Richard Schultz in 1960...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsAluminum, Steel
- '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
- 'Petal' Coffee Table by Richard Schultz for Knoll Associates, 1960s, SignedBy Richard Schultz, KnollLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis 1st Generation original of the 'Petal' coffee table with Redwood 'petals' by Richard Schultz for Knoll Associates, designed in 1960, is a favorite amongst Mid-Century Modern col...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsSteel
- Richard Schultz Petal Side Table for KnollBy Richard Schultz, KnollLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage example of the classic Richard Schultz petal table. 1960s edition manufactured by Knoll, with original label intact. Base has been recoat...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsWood
- Richard Schultz Petal End Table for KnollBy Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in Brooklyn, NYOriginal vintage petal end table by Richard Schultz for Knoll. This lovely end table adorns eight individual “petals” inspired by Queen Anne’s Lace. Ea...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- Richard Schultz for Knoll 'Petal' Coffee TableBy Knoll, Richard SchultzLocated in Brooklyn, NYCircular mid-century coffee table designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll. Made of composite top on metal legs. This series was specifically designed to accompany the ‘Diamond’ chairs ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsAluminum
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Explore the Playful Side of Timeless Mid-Century Modern Design
A new exhibit takes a lighthearted look at the work of 40 American designers and architects.
Jackie Kennedy and Sister Parish Placed This Tea Table in the White House
The former First Lady kept the Victorian antique, with an elegant chinoiserie design, for the rest of her life.