143 - EERO SAARINEN (Finland, 1910–U.S., 1961) for Knoll

EERO SAARINEN (Finland, 1910–U.S., 1961) for Knoll Conference Chair Ebonized oak legs; upholstered in mohair fabric In very good condition. Measurements: 80 x 63 x 61 cm. Designed between 1946 and 1950, it features a wraparound seat and backrest with organic lines, upholstered in mohair fabric, with a rear opening and armrests integrated into the frame itself. It rests on a four-legged frame made of black-lacquered metal. Knoll, founded in New York in 1938 by Hans Knoll, established itself as one of the leading firms in international modern design thanks to its collaboration with prominent architects and designers. Florence Knoll’s appointment to the company’s creative leadership was pivotal in developing an identity based on the integration of furniture and architecture. Her close relationship with Eero Saarinen, whom she had known since her days at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, gave rise to some of the firm’s most iconic creations, including the Conference seating collection, the Womb chair, and the celebrated Pedestal collection. These collaborations helped define the language of postwar American design and cemented Knoll’s international prestige.