Karl Springer "Athena Pedestal" in Chrome with Brass, 1980s
About the Item
- Creator:Karl Springer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Karl Springer Rare Pair of Monumental Illuminated "Athena Pedestals" 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of monumental illuminated "Athena Pedestals" in mirror polished stainless steel with inset sand-blasted glass tops with lights underneath by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Thes...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Pedestals
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Karl Springer Exceptional Tapering Pedestal in Lacquered Goatskin 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYElegant tapering pedestal in multicolor lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The coloration and artisanship of this pedestal are superb.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsGoatskin, Wood, Lacquer
- Karl Springer Tapering Pedestal in Embossed Ostrich Foot Leather, 1970sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYTapering pedestal covered in embossed ostrich foot leather by Karl Springer, American 1970s. Provenance: Purchased from a former employee of Karl Sprin...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsOstrich Leather, Wood
- Karl Springer Pair of Candle Holders in Brass with Chrome Accents, 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYPair of candle holders in brass with chrome accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These iconic Karl Springer candle holders are both chic and beautifully made. Reference Ka...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Candlesticks
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Karl Springer Set of 3 Candle Holders in Brass with Chrome Accents 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYSet of 3 candle holders in polished brass with chrome accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Beautifully made, these iconic Springer candle holders would complement any interior...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Candlesticks
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Karl Springer Rare Wall-Mounted Mirror in Polished Chrome and Brass 1980sBy Karl SpringerLocated in New York, NYRare wall-mount retractable finely crafted make up/shaving mirror in heavy gauge polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of this mirror is off ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Wall Mirrors
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Modern Pair Travertine Marble Solid Brass Karl Springer Attributed PedestalsBy Karl SpringerLocated in Swedesboro, NJFor customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsTravertine, Brass
- Pair of Lighted Linen Wrapped Pedestals in the Manner of Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Peabody, MAPair of columnar lighted display pedestals in lacquered linen with frosted glass tops, circa 1970s.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsGlass, Linen
- Karl Springer Style Hollywood Regency Black and Brass PedestalsLocated in Dallas, TXReminiscent of works by Karl Springer with the signature curved edges and Art Deco inspiration. Two unique black laminate lighted display pedestals...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsBrass
- Italian Marble Pedestal, 1980sLocated in Oud Beijerland, NLItalian pedestal, handcrafted out of marble, fabricated in the 1980s. It can be used inside or outside the house. It is made of beautiful marble. Please take notice of the very nice...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pedestals
MaterialsMarble
- 1980s Spanish Travertine PedestalLocated in Miami, FLBeautiful 1980s red and gray polished, Spanish postmodern travertine pedestal. This is exotic pedestal is perfect for displaying your favorite sculpture, plant and adding a nice touc...Category
Vintage 1980s Spanish Post-Modern Pedestals
MaterialsTravertine
- Short Illuminated Mirror Pedestal, 1980sLocated in Philadelphia, PA- 23.5”h, 11.75”w, 11.75”d - Mirrored glass, wood - Type A plug, on-off switch on cord, accepts 1 standard base bulb - Condition: ExcellentCategory
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Pedestals
MaterialsGlass, Mirror, Wood